The National Voluntary Blood Donation Day observed on 1 October

The National Voluntary Blood Donation Day on 1 October celebrated every year in India since on 1 October 1975.It is organised by National Blood Transfusion Council (NBTC) and National AIDS Control Organisation, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare of Government of India.

The main objectives of National Voluntary Blood Donation Day

• To increase awareness among the people and the importance of voluntary blood donation.
• To achieve 100 percent Voluntary Blood Donation, so as to be able to give the safest blood to the needy patients.
• To have enough blood stock in our blood banks for any eventuality.
• To give our thanks and reinforce the self esteem of those who donate blood voluntarily, so that they continue to do so regularly.
• To inspire those who has not donated blood but are in good health, to start donating blood.
• To inspire those donors who donate blood only for their relatives or friends, to donate voluntarily.

Legal Protection in India for blood donation

Safe blood transfusion comes under the legal protection as it is life saving and also fatal. Fundamental right under part III of Indian Constitution (Article 21) spells out that no person shall be deprived of his life. The Consumer Protection Act of 1986 also covers blood as a commodity. Indian Panel code chapter XIV, sections 269 and 270 also provide for protection against spread of infectious diseases due to negligent and malignant acts. Drugs and Cosmetics Act of 1940 also establishes regulations for blood banking and transfusions.

Criteria for blood donors as per the Drugs and Cosmetics Act 1940:

• Age is between 18 to 65 years.
• Body weight is 45 kg and above.
• Pulse rate 60 to 100 per minute and regular
• Blood Pressure of Systolic 100 to180mm of mercury; Diastolic 50 to100mm of mercury.
• Hemoglobin minimum 12.5gm/100ml of blood.
•Oral temperature should not exceed 37.50C.

About National blood transfusion council

In accordance with the directive of the Supreme Court, National Blood Transfusion Council was constituted in 1996 as a Registered Society.
Main objectives of National blood transfusion council
• Promote voluntary blood donation
• Ensure safe blood transfusion
• Provide infrastructure to blood centres