
Why India needs inclusive blood donation policies now
India's blood donation guidelines, modeled after policies formed in the early days of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, impose blanket bans on certain populations. Men who have sex with men (MSM), trans persons, and sex workers are automatically disqualified, regardless of their individual sexual behavior, health status, or willingness to undergo testing. These guidelines paint entire communities with the same brush and are based on the assumption that persons from these communities indulge in unsafe sexual practices. Not only is this rooted in regressive moralistic codes, but it also takes the focus away from safe-sex, plurality of desire, and sexual health.
Another key issue is the sidelining of advances in screening technologies and global best practices that enable safe blood collection from all individuals—regardless of identity.
Modern blood banks use nucleic acid testing (NAT), which can detect HIV and other infections within days of exposure. NAT is revolutionising blood safety by detecting infections earlier than traditional serology-based tests. Unlike conventional methods, which may take weeks to detect infections, NAT identifies viral DNA or RNA within days of exposure, significantly reducing the risk of TTIs. For thalassemia patients, who undergo repeated transfusions, NAT can mean the difference between life-saving care and life-threatening complications.
Excluding people based on identity rather than scientific risk factors not only violates their fundamental right to equality but also deprives the health system of potential donors. It perpetuates the harmful myth that LGBTQIA+ individuals and sex workers are inherently dangerous, further entrenching social stigma and institutional discrimination.
India must urgently reform its blood donation guidelines in line with international scientific evidence and human rights norms. This begins by replacing identity-based deferrals with behavior-based screening protocols. All donors—regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or profession—should be assessed equally based on recent activities that may pose risk.
The path forward requires a coordinated, multi-stakeholder strategy:
India is at a crossroads. We can continue to let fear and misinformation dictate public health policy—or we can lead with science and compassion.
We need a comprehensive review of India's blood donor eligibility criteria. This review must include consultations with medical experts, human rights advocates, and affected communities.
India deserves a blood donation policy that reflects the values of equality, dignity, and modern science.
This article is authored by Anubha Taneja Mukherjee, member secretary, Thalassemia Patients Advocacy Group and Rituparna Borah, co-founder and executive director, Nazariya Queer Feminist Resource Group.

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Hans India
2 hours ago
- Hans India
MyVoice: Views of our readers 28th July 2025
Stampede at Mansa Devi temple is quite shocking It was quite shocking to hear about the stampede at Haridwar's Mansa Devi temple on Sunday that claimed six lives and left many injured. Reportedly, electric current at the base of the temple stairs triggered panic among the devotees, causing them to flee in confusion leading to the stampede. Perched atop the Shivalik Hills at a height of over 500 feet, the Mansa Devi temple is dedicated to Goddess Mansa Devi. Bhagwan Thadani,Mumbai We must draw on Kalam's legacy On this Punya Thithi (July 27) of Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, let us honour his legacy by embracing his vision for a united, innovative India. His dedication to education and youth empowerment inspires us to contribute actively to nation-building. Together, we can soar as envisioned by the 'Missile Man of India' and the 'People's President'. T S Karthik,Chennai Hepatitis: Let's break it down On 'World Hepatitis Day' (July 28), let us look at the chilling facts and figures. Approximately 304 million people worldwide live with chronic hepatitis B or hepatitis C in 2022. Over 2.2 million new infections occur annually, which averages to 6,000 new cases every day. Tragically, 1.3 million succumb to it every year, which means there are 3,500 deaths per day due to hepatitis-related illness. An estimated 40 million Indians live with chronic hepatitis B, and around 12 million have chronic hepatitis C. Bihar, Punjab, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha report the highest hepatitis cases in India. Left unchecked, hepatitis B and C may soon claim more lives than HIV, TB and malaria. Although hepatitis B vaccination has been a part of India's Universal Immunisation Programme since 2007, the coverage and awareness - especially beyond childhood - remains inadequate. The theme of World Hepatitis Day-2025 is 'Hepatitis: Let's Break It Down', to emphasise the need to dismantle barriers, such as social, financial, and systemic obstacles, that prevent the elimination of hepatitis and the prevention of liver cancer. On this day, let us all organise awareness programs, share on social media and pledge to create a world free from viral hepatitis infections by following protocols. Dr Burra Madhusudhan Reddy,Karimnagar Bravo OU Engg dept whizkids It is delightful to note that the engineering department of Osmania University has successfully devised a self-guiding semiconductor microchip. This bluetooth-operated frequency synthesiser' made under 'chips to start-up' scheme is said to improve the efficiency of internal machines in smart phones, watches and rockets, among others. This is an appreciable achievement as it is the first indigenous semiconductor chip in India. The enormous talent of young scientists in the country must be utilised and promoted adequately. The children should be extolled to idolise scientists and intellectuals and not actors and cricketers. M Chandrasekhar,Kadapa. Kudos to railways for green energy drive Kudos to Indian railways for achieving another milestone. It made history by successfully testing the first (green) hydrogen powered coach/car at the Integrated Coach Factory in Chennai. This makes for a good initiative as there will be no carbon emissions or pollution issues. Moreover, there are several other benefits by its use, including in promoting eco-friendly transport and being economical even as it swells the profits. It would be a wise move if all types of green energy are heavily patronised and not for just fans and lights. P V P Madhu Nivriti,Secunderabad-61 Govt should come clear on Dhankhar exit This is further to your editorial 'Buzz around Dhankhar resignation not good for NDA government'. No matter if Jagdeep Dhankhar's quit as the country's Vice-President citing health reasons but what is surprising is that it sent people into performative overdrive after self-proclaimed defenders took turns to attack him for 'lowering the dignity' while in office. However, the fact is that he was not a rubber stamp nor a mute spectator. Though Dhankhar is arguably the first high-profile exit from a high constitutional office in recent times, what surprised many is the resignation coming on the first day of the monsoon session of the Parliament. Since, we are left with nothing more than conjecture and speculation on the reasons for his exit, the government should clear the air and prevent an unhealthy controversy over its alleged difference with Dhankhar. K R Srinivasan,Secunderabad-3


Time of India
8 hours ago
- Time of India
No More Tears: Needle-Free Injections Arrive For City Kids
1 2 Nagpur: Fear of injections — especially among young children — is a common scene in clinics and hospitals. Even parents often dread the moment when their child has to be held tightly for a painful jab. But that fear might soon become a thing of the past, thanks to a new needle-less injection technique now introduced in Nagpur. On July 26, a major step forward in child-friendly healthcare was demonstrated in the city. Senior paediatrician and medical superintendent of Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), Nagpur, Dr Avinash Gawande show the new needle-free injection system, which has already started being used for routine vaccinations in children. "This is a revolution in medical practice, especially for paediatric immunisation," said Dr Gawande. "The technique eliminates the pain, trauma, and fear associated with traditional injections." The needle-less injection device looks somewhat like a small hand-held gun. It works by pushing medicine into the skin using a high-pressure stream of air, eliminating the need for a needle. This method is not only painless but also avoids tissue damage and post-injection swelling caused by traditional syringes. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Is this legal? Access all TV channels without a subscription! Techno Mag Learn More Undo The technology has been in India for just 6 to 8 months but has already reached Nagpur. Currently, about 90% of the injections used in the standard immunisation schedule for children can be safely given using this method. Besides reducing fear, the needle-free system also brings added safety benefits. Since no sharp needles are used, healthcare workers are protected from accidental pricks, and there is minimal risk of spreading infections like HIV or Hepatitis B. According to Dr Gawande, this simple device could dramatically improve vaccination coverage and cooperation, especially in children, who often resist traditional injections. The method is currently being used for people aged 6 months and above. Trials are underway for even younger infants (6 weeks to 6 months), and positive results are expected soon. While slightly more expensive — costing Rs200 to Rs300 more than regular injections — the prices are expected to drop as the technology becomes more widespread. Needle-Free Injection: At A Glance * No needle, no pain – Uses air pressure to deliver the medicine through the skin * No swelling or tissue injury – Reduces post-injection discomfort * Safe for healthcare workers – No risk of accidental needle pricks * Child-friendly – Reduces fear and improves vaccination experience * Effective like traditional injections – Suitable for both intramuscular and intradermal delivery * Currently for liquid medicines – Works best for vaccines and other fluid-based drugs


The Hindu
11 hours ago
- The Hindu
Liver diseases often go undetected; doctors call for early screening and awareness
An estimated 304 million people worldwide live with chronic hepatitis B or C, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Of these, 254 million have hepatitis B and 50 million have hepatitis C. The disease causes about 1.3 million deaths annually over 3,500 each day. India accounts for over 11.6% of the global burden, with around 29.8 million people living with hepatitis B and 5.5 million with hepatitis C. Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver, most commonly caused by viral infections, mainly hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E. Among these, hepatitis B and C can become chronic, potentially leading to cirrhosis, liver failure or cancer. Transmission can occur through unsafe injections, blood transfusions, sexual contact or from mother to child during childbirth. Despite the scale, most infections remain undiagnosed until complications arise. Doctors say this is due to vague early symptoms, inadequate screening, and widespread misconceptions. 'In the early stages, liver trouble may show up as fatigue, appetite loss or mild abdominal pain - symptoms that are easily overlooked,' said Vivekanandan Shanmugam, Lead Liver Transplant Surgeon, SIMS Hospital, Chennai . 'Even signs like dark urine or yellowing of the eyes are ignored. As a result, patients often present late.' He added that screening for hepatitis B and C is recommended for high-risk groups - those who had blood transfusions before the 1990s, dialysis patients and healthcare workers, but implementation remains patchy. 'Many people don't know they should get tested. There is stigma and poor access, especially in peripheral areas,' he said. Dr. Shanmugam also flagged the impact of over-the-counter painkillers and unregulated herbal supplements. 'The liver filters everything we consume. Long-term misuse of common drugs like paracetamol or herbal concoctions can silently damage the liver.' Radhika Venugopal, Senior Consultant - Hepatology, Liver Disease & Transplantation, Rela Hospital, Chennai, said symptoms such as nausea, fatigue, or weight loss are often ignored. 'By the time jaundice, swelling or bleeding appears, damage is usually advanced. Liver function tests and scans can help detect problems early,' she said. She noted that hepatitis testing is not well integrated into routine healthcare, particularly in rural settings. 'Pregnant women, people with HIV, and those undergoing surgery or dialysis must be screened, but enforcement is weak.' Dr. Venugopal also flagged the rise in 'lean MAFLD' (metabolic-associated fatty liver disease) in people with normal weight but underlying metabolic issues. 'Tools like FibroScan help detect this early.' Doctors recommend hepatitis B vaccination, avoiding excessive alcohol, limiting self-medication, and routine check-ups. 'The liver is silent until it's too late,' said Dr. Shanmugam.