National Volunteering Blood Day Observed to Promote Safe Blood Donation

By Amit Kumar

October 1 marks National Volunteering Blood Day across India, a day dedicated to raising awareness about voluntary blood donation and encouraging people to donate blood selflessly. Established in 1975, this day emphasizes the crucial role of voluntary donors in saving lives through safe blood supply.

Voluntary blood donation remains vital for ensuring safe and sufficient blood availability for medical treatments, emergency care, surgeries, and childbirth. Unlike replacement or paid donors, voluntary donors give blood without expecting any compensation, making their blood safer and less likely to transmit infections such as HIV, hepatitis, and malaria.

Government health agencies, NGOs, and blood banks organize awareness campaigns, blood donation drives, and educational programs nationwide to motivate healthy individuals to donate regularly. Donors typically must be between 18 and 60 years old, weigh at least 45 kilograms, and meet health requirements.

The significance of voluntary blood donation extends beyond recipient benefit; it can also positively impact donors by promoting blood cell regeneration and reducing risks associated with excess iron in the body. National targets aim for 100% voluntary blood donation to enhance blood safety standards and meet the rising demand.

National Volunteering Blood Day also honors regular donors who contribute continuously and encourages those who donate only for relatives or friends to consider becoming regular voluntary donors. Dispelling myths surrounding blood donation is a key goal of activities on this day.

Through concerted efforts, India continues to improve voluntary blood donation rates across states, striving to build a culture of altruistic blood donation vital to public health.