June 14 is world blood donor day: Small-scale survey finds low awareness on blood donation

The survey carried out in the first week of June in JJ Hospital’s out-patient department focused on patients from lower-income group and villages.

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In total, 14 questions were asked. Of 200, 120 said blood donation can make one feel low, 45 said it can cause vomiting and headaches, 72 said it lowers body immunity, and 83 said it can fluctuate blood pressure and sugar levels.

According to Maharashtra Association of Resident Doctors (MARD) that conducted the survey, people carry a lot of misconception thinking blood donation can cause risk of infection to the donor.

About 74 patients surveyed thought blood donation can cause iron deficiency.

“A healthy individual with good eating habits can donate blood four times a year with a gap of three months. It doesn’t make anybody iron-deficient,” said Dr Sagar Mundada, MARD president.

According to World Health Organization, only 62 countries get close to 100 per cent of their national blood supplies from voluntary unpaid blood donations, while 34 countries are still dependent on family donors and even paid donors for more than 75 per cent of their blood supply.

Data from National Blood Transfusion Council show Maharashtra collects 15.64 lakh units of blood and India collects 108 lakh units each year.

According to officials, the blood donation drives suffer the most during summers when major donors, from colleges and educational institutes, are on leave and camps cannot be held for them.