Blood Donation in India: 75% Collection Comes From Voluntary Donors, NITI Aayog Reveals

Around 75 per cent of blood collected in India comes through voluntary donations, NITI Aayog Member (Health) Dr M. Srinivas said on Thursday, while calling for greater public participation to strengthen the country’s blood supply system. Srinivas made the remarks during the observance of National Voluntary Blood Donation Day 2026 at Lady Hardinge Medical College (LHMC) in New Delhi. The event focused on encouraging regular, voluntary and non-remunerated blood donation and addressing gaps between blood demand and availability.

NITI Aayog Calls for More Voluntary Blood Donations

Srinivas said the contribution of voluntary donors remains important for maintaining an adequate and sustainable supply of blood and blood components. He called for coordinated efforts involving government agencies, healthcare professionals, NGOs, voluntary organisations and youth groups to expand participation in voluntary blood donation. He also urged citizens not only to donate blood regularly but to create awareness within their communities and encourage others to participate. PM Modi Birthday 2026: Gen Z Youth Donate Blood in Varanasi in ‘Modi’s GenZ Blood Squad’ Event.

Focus on Blood Demand and Availability

The NITI Aayog member also highlighted the need to address the gap between the demand for blood and its availability. Along with blood donation, he stressed the importance of rational and optimal use of blood and its components in healthcare facilities. Srinivas further called for greater awareness about blood health, including nutrition and anaemia, particularly among women and adolescent girls.

National Voluntary Blood Donation Day 2026

National Voluntary Blood Donation Day is observed every year on October 1 to promote voluntary blood donation and encourage eligible people to donate regularly. The 2026 theme is “One Drop of Humanity. Give Blood. Save Lives.” The national programme was organised by the Blood Transfusion Services Division of the Directorate General of Health Services in collaboration with Lady Hardinge Medical College and its associated hospitals.

The event included a voluntary blood donation camp, awareness activities, a voluntary blood donation pledge and recognition of organisations and State Blood Transfusion Councils involved in promoting blood donation. Madhya Pradesh CM Launches Blood Donation Camp on PM Modi’s Birthday; Says over 6,700 Units Collected So Far.

Government Push for Stronger Blood Transfusion Services

Director General of Health Services Dr Loveneesh G. Krishna highlighted measures being taken to strengthen blood transfusion services, including implementation of the National Blood Policy, quality assurance initiatives and national technical guidelines. The e-RaktKosh portal is also being used for donor registration and monitoring of blood collection activities. Officials stressed that infrastructure and systems need to be supported by sustained voluntary participation, particularly among young people.

According to the World Health Organization, India requires approximately 14.6 million units of blood annually. WHO also notes that voluntary, non-remunerated donors are an important part of maintaining a safe and sufficient blood supply.

Nationwide Blood Donation Campaign Underway

The National Voluntary Blood Donation Day observance is part of a nationwide mega voluntary blood donation campaign running from September 17 to October 2, 2026. State and Union Territory health departments, blood centres, educational institutions, healthcare facilities and voluntary organisations are participating in the campaign. The initiative places particular emphasis on youth participation, grassroots outreach and increasing awareness about regular blood donation.

Blood Needed for Critical Medical Care

Blood and blood components are required for several medical procedures and emergencies, including surgery, trauma care, severe anaemia, cancer and blood disorders, maternal care and other life-saving interventions. Since blood cannot be manufactured, healthcare systems depend on eligible donors to maintain supplies. The Health Ministry has therefore emphasised the importance of regular, voluntary and non-remunerated blood donation. The nationwide campaign will continue until October 2, with authorities and participating organisations conducting further blood donation drives and awareness programmes across the country.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 01, 2026 08:34 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).