logo
Lack of voluntary blood donations help ‘red market' thrive

Lack of voluntary blood donations help ‘red market' thrive

Time of India13-06-2025
1
2
3
Nagpur: As the world observes World Blood Donor Day 2025 under the theme "Give blood, give hope: Together we save lives," Maharashtra's health minister, Prakash Abitkar, directed officials to urgently implement a "No Shortage, No Wastage" policy.
The policy aims to ensure timely access to safe blood for patients while also curbing avoidable wastage due to poor coordination.
"Blood is a national resource, and its collection, storage, and use must be meticulously managed," said Abitkar during a state-level review of blood services. He noted that seasonal imbalances, such as massive blood collection during national events or birthdays of politicians, often contrast with shortfalls during festivals and summer, creating a mismatch in supply and demand.
He directed health authorities to design and submit a comprehensive policy immediately.
The state govt also plans to introduce new rules for granting NOCs to blood bank operators and explore NAT (Nucleic Acid Testing) in govt blood banks for higher safety.
Meanwhile, Dr Sunil Khaparde, former director of NACO and now a city-based national expert on blood safety, raised alarm over India's growing dependence on paid or professional donors, despite legal bans.
"With a demand of 1.2 crore units annually, we still fall short by over 30 lakh units. The deficit often drives patients to the underground 'Red Market,' where ethics and safety are routinely compromised," said Dr Khaparde.
He stressed that while portals like e-RaktKosh and govt campaigns have made strides, the absence of a centralized national blood collection agency is keenly felt. "Even today, much of our blood supply comes from professional donors or family replacements.
Genuine voluntary donation remains under 50%," he noted.
Dr Harish Warbhe, medical director of Lifeline Blood Centre in the city, emphasized the health benefits of voluntary donation even for the donors themselves. "Regular voluntary blood donation not only saves lives but also stimulates the donor's bone marrow to produce fresh, healthier blood cells. It reduces iron overload in the body and gives a sense of purpose and community connection.
It's a simple act with profound benefits — for recipients and donors alike," he said.
India's Blood Gap: Key Facts
India needs around 1.2 crore units of blood every year
Only about 90 lakh units are collected annually
This leads to a shortfall of approximately 30 lakh units each year
In the summer months, the shortfall often touches 50%, worsening the crisis
India still does not meet the WHO-recommended 1% blood reserve based on the total population
Less than 50% of blood donations are truly voluntary; the rest come from relatives if patients
Follow more information on
Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad here
. Get
real-time live updates
on rescue operations and check
full list of passengers onboard AI 171
.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

'Misleading': Centre rejects Swiss firm's pollution rankings; cites limited government data usage by report
'Misleading': Centre rejects Swiss firm's pollution rankings; cites limited government data usage by report

Time of India

time3 hours ago

  • Time of India

'Misleading': Centre rejects Swiss firm's pollution rankings; cites limited government data usage by report

NEW DELHI: The central government on Thursday rejected the Swiss firm's IQAir report, that had ranked India the fifth most polluted country in the world, citing limited usage of government data in the survey. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now "However, it must be noted that only 38 per cent of the data sources used in the report are from government agencies. The remaining 62 per cent are from other agencies and include data generated using low-cost sensors," Union minister of state for environment Kirti Vardhan Singh said responding to a question by Congress MP Pramod Tiwari in the Rajya Sabha. "The data from a variety of monitors and sources, especially low-cost sensors, may have inaccuracies. Moreover, the report uses population-weighted averages based on data from urban monitoring stations, which may not represent the true national average," the minister said. "In view of these limitations and uncertainties in the data, the ranking of cities and countries may not portray the true picture and could be misleading," he added. In response to a query on whether air pollution is causing deaths and affecting public health nationwide, the minister said there is no conclusive data to establish a direct link between air pollution and mortality. "Air pollution is one of many contributing factors that can affect respiratory ailments and related diseases. Health is determined by several variables, including food habits, occupational exposure, socio-economic conditions, medical history, immunity, heredity and environmental factors," Singh said. According to IQAir's 2024 World Air Quality Report, India ranked as the fifth most polluted country in the world based on air quality data. The report named Byrnihat in Meghalaya as the most polluted metropolitan area globally, with an annual average PM2.5 concentration of 128.2 µg/m³, over 25 times higher than the WHO-recommended limit and more than three times the national standard.

Can genetics predict obesity? New study may help spot risk in kids before it is too late
Can genetics predict obesity? New study may help spot risk in kids before it is too late

Economic Times

time3 hours ago

  • Economic Times

Can genetics predict obesity? New study may help spot risk in kids before it is too late

Synopsis A new study introduces ancestry-specific polygenic risk scores that double the effectiveness of predicting adult obesity risk compared to current methods. Analyzing genetic data from over 5 million individuals, the tool identifies those at risk early in childhood. While genetics play a role, lifestyle and environmental factors remain crucial in addressing the global obesity epidemic. iStock A new study introduces ancestry-specific polygenic risk scores that double the effectiveness of predicting adult obesity risk compared to current methods. (Image :iStock) Imagine knowing whether your child may be at risk for obesity—not years after weight gain begins, but long before it shows. A groundbreaking new study published in Nature Medicine suggests this could soon be possible, thanks to a genetic tool called polygenic risk scores (PGS).Led by over 600 scientists from 500 institutions worldwide, and drawing data from The Genetic Investigation of ANthropometric Traits (GIANT) consortium and 23andMe, the study analyzed genetic information from more than 5 million individuals. Their goal? To develop a more precise way to predict a person's likelihood of developing obesity, starting from childhood. Current obesity risk tools largely rely on family history, diet, and lifestyle. But this study's new ancestry-specific and multi-ancestry polygenic risk scores proved about twice as effective in predicting obesity in adulthood compared to existing people of European ancestry, for example, the score accounted for 17.6% of an individual's risk of developing a high Body Mass Index (BMI)—a key indicator of obesity. The study included a broad participant base: 70% had European ancestry, 14.4% were Hispanic, 8.4% East Asian, 4.6% African, and 1.5% South while the tool is promising, it isn't a crystal ball. 'Obesity is not only about genetics,' said Dr. Ruth Loos, study co-author and professor at the University of Copenhagen's Novo Nordisk Foundation Center, in an interview with NBC News. 'Genetics alone can never accurately predict obesity… other factors, such as lifestyle, need to be part of the predictions.' The urgency behind such research is clear. Obesity is now considered one of the world's fastest-growing public health threats. According to World Health Organization (WHO) data: In 2022, 2.5 billion adults were overweight, including over 890 million with obesity. Childhood obesity is skyrocketing—35 million children under five were overweight in 2024, and over 390 million adolescents aged 5–19 were overweight in 2022. Obesity was a factor in 3.7 million global deaths in 2021 alone. Perhaps more troubling is the shift in obesity prevalence from wealthier nations to low- and middle-income countries, where children face a 'double burden' of both undernutrition and rising obesity rates. The WHO warns that these children often live in environments where high-calorie, nutrient-poor foods are cheap and accessible, but healthier choices and safe spaces for exercise are is much more than a number on a scale. It increases the risk of nearly 200 diseases, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, asthma, and certain cancers. For children, the stakes are even higher: obesity not only impacts their physical and mental health but also academic performance and social wellbeing due to stigma and childhood obesity often carries into adulthood, setting the stage for chronic illness and shorter lifespans. 'Children with obesity are very likely to be adults with obesity,' notes the WHO. While genetic scores like the one developed in this study could revolutionize early detection, experts caution that there's no one-size-fits-all solution. Dr. Karen Hacker, director of the CDC's National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention, told USA TODAY that effective obesity prevention must address broader social determinants of health—including access to healthcare, nutritious food, physical activity, and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends multifaceted strategies: from medication and surgery for treatment, to policy-driven efforts ensuring access to healthy food, safe physical environments, and stigma-free support systems.

Healthcare at Heart of Viksit Bharat: Anupriya
Healthcare at Heart of Viksit Bharat: Anupriya

United News of India

time4 hours ago

  • United News of India

Healthcare at Heart of Viksit Bharat: Anupriya

New Delhi, July 24 (UNI) Underscoring the crucial role of healthcare in building a developed India, Health Minister of State for Health & Family Welfare Anupriya Patel today said, 'Healthy India and Health for All are not just slogans, but the commitment of the government and a shared national vision.' She was addressing the Annual Convocation Ceremony of Lady Hardinge Medical College (LHMC) as the Chief Guest here. The event was also graced by Dr. VK Paul, member, NITI Aayog, and Dr. Sunita Sharma, Director General of Health Services, along with faculty, dignitaries and graduating students. In her keynote address, Patel stressed that India's aspiration to become a developed nation by 2047, as envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, depends heavily on a robust and equitable healthcare system. 'Healthcare is one of the foundational pillars of Viksit Bharat. Only a healthy nation can truly be a developed nation,' she said. Tracing the trajectory of India's health reforms, the Minister recalled the introduction of the National Health Policy in 2017, which laid the groundwork for a comprehensive, multi-dimensional health system — curative, preventive, promotive, palliative, and rehabilitative. She highlighted significant achievements including the establishment of Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, expansion of AIIMS from 7 to 23, and the adoption of digital health solutions. She further noted that India is advancing toward the WHO-recommended doctor-population ratio, and addressing the shortage of specialists in underserved regions. Government health spending, she said, has risen to nearly 2% of GDP, moving steadily toward the 2.5% target outlined in the national policy. The Minister cited flagship programmes such as Ayushman Bharat – PM-JAY, the world's largest health assurance scheme covering 55 crore citizens, and Jan Aushadhi Kendras, which ensure access to quality medicines at affordable prices. These interventions, she said, have led to a significant reduction in out-of-pocket expenditure on healthcare. Speaking on India's COVID-19 response, Patel stated, 'India's vaccination campaign was among the largest and fastest in the world, with over 220 crore doses administered.' She also urged LHMC graduates to continue the nation-building journey through medical research, digital innovation, and compassionate service. 'The medical profession is a rare blend of privilege and responsibility. Let your healing hands also carry the values of ethics, empathy and service to the underprivileged,' she told the students. The convocation also saw the launch of LHMC's Annual Report for 2024 and the Antibiotic Policy. UNI AJ ARN

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store