Blood donation is when a person volunteers to give blood to someone who might need it. It’s a completely safe and painless process. However, only 1% of the population of India has given blood, leaving India with a deficit of blood units a year.
Why should you give blood?
Giving blood saves lives. There is currently no known substitute for human blood, and blood can only be preserved for a short time. Yet there are millions of people who need blood every year, so blood is always in high demand. In many cases, the availability of blood is a matter of life and death.
Blood donation also benefits the donor. Blood donation burns calories and reduces the risk of heart diseases and cholesterol. Before donating, your blood is also tested for a low platelet count, HIV and other illnesses so that you know you’re healthy.
Who can donate blood?
- Any healthy person between the ages of 18 and 60 are eligible to give blood in India, provided
- They weigh more than 45 Kgs
- It has been at least 3 months since they last gave blood
- They haven’t consumed alcohol in the last 72 hours
- They haven’t undergone major surgery in the last six months
- They were not pregnant or lactating in the last 6 months
- They haven’t engaged in risky sexual behaviour.
- They don’t have a history of drug abuse.
- Different organisations have different requirements and its advisable that you call before donating.
What is the process of donating blood like?
Donating blood is a fairly easy process and shouldn’t take more than an hour. The first part of blood donation is a basic medical test to make sure the donor is physically able to give blood. This is followed by the actual donation, during which a sterile needle is inserted into the arm and blood is drawn. It’s important to eat something after donating blood so that you don’t feel weak or nauseous.
Where can you donate blood?
There are several places in Karnataka where you can donate blood. Bangalore blood bank, rotary hospitals and Indian Redcross centres all accept blood. You can also become a registered blood donor with KhoonKhas. Most hospitals around you will also accept blood, however, it’s important to make sure the conditions are sanitary.
If you’re passionate about saving lives through blood donation, you can also encourage your school, college or office to hold a blood donation drive.
