India’s healthcare system is currently grappling with a severe shortage of blood due to the lockdown restrictions instated to battle the Covid-19 pandemic. This has prompted hospitals to coordinate with individual donors in order to meet the increased demand for blood.
The Current Situation
The ongoing pandemic has prompted hospitals to reach out to registered donors, especially those with rare blood types, in order to meet rising requirements. The Indian Red Cross Society Blood Bank has noted a decrease in blood collection, resulting in a shortage even of the commonly observed B-positive blood group. As per data presented to the Lok Sabha in 2018, and based on the World Health Organization’s recommendation of a country’s blood requirement being 1% of its population, India was short of 1.9 million units of blood.
Who are the Worst Affected?
Patients requiring dialysis, those suffering from blood disorders, and expectant mothers face the highest risk due to this shortage. Patients residing in small towns and rural areas are also significantly impacted by the crisis.
Thalassemia Patients in Fear
Thalassemia patients, who need regular blood transfusions to survive, are particularly fearful. Many of these patients rely on blood from the Indian Red Cross Society Blood Bank, which is now experiencing cancellations. According to the National Blood Transfusion Council, with 2,023 blood banks across India, 78% of their blood supply comes from voluntary donors.
Lockdown-related Issues
Due to the lockdown, blood collection camps have been cancelled. Potential donors hesitate to travel to hospitals to donate blood amidst the stringent lockdown restrictions. Some hospitals have also not made donor passes, making the situation more challenging. In addition, transportation remains largely unavailable due to lockdown restrictions.
Government Initiatives
In response to this situation, the Health Ministry has urged hospitals to ensure adequate stocks of blood by promoting voluntary blood donation. It has also recommended utilizing services such as mobile blood collection vans run by the Indian Red Cross Society.
Thalassemia: The Blood Disorder
Thalassemia is an inherited blood disorder wherein the body produces abnormal or inadequate amounts of hemoglobin, leading to destruction of a large number of red blood cells and resulting in anemia.
About the Indian Red Cross Society
Established in 1920, the Indian Red Cross Society (IRCS) is a voluntary humanitarian organization that provides relief in times of disasters and promotes health and care of vulnerable communities. It is a prominent member of the International Red Cross & Red Crescent Movement, one of the world’s largest independent humanitarian organizations.
National Blood Transfusion Council
The National Blood Transfusion Council (NBTC) was formed in 1996 under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Its primary goal is to promote voluntary blood donation, ensure safe blood transfusion, provide infrastructure to blood centers, develop human resources and formulate and implement the country’s blood policy. The NBTC is the supreme authority with respect to all matters concerning blood centers and coordinates with the State Blood Transfusion Councils (SBTCs), ensuring involvement of other Ministries and other health programs in its various initiatives.