BLOOD is a fluid tissue that circulates in the arteries, veins and capillaries of the body as a result of muscular contraction and relaxation of the heart. Each cell and tissue of the blood owes its life to the regular flow of blood. It is a special gift of nature which never gets exhausted even if donated regularly, since it is recouped and replenished soon afterwards. Perhaps this is the most convincing evidence in favor of blood donation.
Blood is a life-saving medicine with no alternative. Only 30 per cent of those who need blood get an adequate supply of it in our part of the world. The trend of blood donation is highly unsatisfactory in developing countries due to higher level of malnutrition, infectious diseases, blood disorders, poverty and poor health systems. It is therefore of utmost importance to promote the trend of voluntary blood donation in our society, particularly amongst the youth.
There is no alternative to human blood. It cannot be obtained from animals or through smuggling. Most of the people in world die because of the lack of blood. Thus it is a national and moral obligation to voluntarily donate blood every three to four months keeping in mind that our national need is approximately three to 3.5 million units of blood annually while only 1.2 to 1.5 million units are available.
If you are between the ages 18 and 65, weighing 50 kilos or more and have no fatal diseases or habits, you can donate blood. A healthy man has five to six liters of blood, a woman about 4.5 to five liters. Woman can also donate, even six to eight months after childbirth. People who have documented hepatitis B and C are permanent deferrals. However, those who have suffered from hepatitis A and E can donate blood 12 months after the liver infection has settled. People with Aids or HIV should never donate blood.
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