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Writer's pictureDr. Arun V J

Benefits of blood donation

Updated: Oct 12, 2023

About blood donation

Blood donation is the easiest and simplest way you can save 3 lives in one go even if you are not a medic. The requirement for blood is ever increasing with the increased accessibility to medical care. The increase in literacy rate and awareness of the general population has made the common man seek medical attention more frequently.

The industrialization and fast pace of the world when clubbed with giant machines and fast cars have led to accidents. Not to mention the man-made diseases and catastrophes.

A woman donating blood
Donate blood, save lives

Who can donate blood?

The guidelines for blood donation vary from country to country. It depends on the physique of the population, diseases prevalent and medical requirements. In India, the legal age for donation is 18 up to 60 for first-time donors and 65 if you have donated at least once before.

You should be free from any diseases that may be transmitted through blood, have not taken any medication that can affect the quality of blood, physically and mentally fit.

The latest update on the criteria for donation can be found in GSR 166 E dated 11-03-2020.

Introduction

Blood donation is one of the most selfless acts that one can do to help others. In India, every two seconds, someone requires blood transfusion, making it essential to maintain a steady supply of blood. However, the country is facing a shortage of blood due to lack of awareness and misconceptions. By donating blood, one can save lives and contribute to society. In this blog post, we will discuss the benefits of blood donation and the Indian scenario of blood shortage.



Benefits of Blood Donation:

  1. Saves Lives: Blood donation is a life-saving process. The blood donated by an individual is used to help people who need it due to medical emergencies, accidents, surgeries, and blood disorders. One unit of donated blood can save up to three lives, making it an excellent way to contribute to society.

  2. Improves Blood Flow: Blood donation stimulates the production of new blood cells in the body, which helps in improving the blood flow. This leads to better oxygenation of the organs and tissues, which is essential for overall health.



  1. Reduces the Risk of Heart Disease: Studies have shown that regular blood donation can help in reducing the risk of heart disease. The reason behind this is that blood donation helps in reducing the level of iron in the blood, which is a risk factor for heart disease.

  2. Free Health Check-up: Before donating blood, the donor undergoes a thorough health check-up. This includes checking blood pressure, hemoglobin levels, and screening for diseases like HIV, hepatitis B and C, and syphilis. This is a great way to get a free health check-up and ensure that one is healthy.



  1. Promotes Selflessness: Blood donation is a selfless act that promotes the spirit of giving. By donating blood, one can contribute to society and help others in need. It is a great way to make a positive impact on the world.

  2. Burns calories equal to 500 calories.ever-increasing creasing

Indian Scenario of Shortage of Blood

India is facing a shortage of blood due to various reasons. One of the primary reasons is the lack of awareness about blood donation. Many people still believe in misconceptions like blood donation is harmful to health or can lead to weakness. Another reason is the shortage of blood banks and lack of proper storage facilities. This leads to wastage of blood and difficulty in maintaining a steady supply.



To tackle this issue, the government and various NGOs have been running awareness campaigns and blood donation drives. However, there is still a long way to go. As responsible citizens, it is our duty to contribute to society and donate blood whenever possible.



Conclusion

In conclusion, blood donation is a noble act that can save lives and improve the health of the donor. By donating blood, we can help in addressing the shortage of blood in India and contribute to society. We urge everyone to come forward and donate blood regularly to make a positive impact on the world. Remember, donating blood doesn't cost a penny but can save a life!




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