Jahangeer Ganaie
Srinagar, Jan 1: Blood donation is a life-saving practice that benefits not only the recipient but also the donor, according to medical experts.
Dr Tawseef Ahmad, a general physician at the Directorate of Health Services Kashmir (DHSK), said that blood donation can reduce the risk of heart attack.
“Donating blood at least once a year improves blood flow, reduces arterial blockages, balances iron levels and may reveal potential health issues, while also lowering the risk of certain cancers,” he said.
He said blood donation is critical in saving lives during emergencies, surgeries and for patients with chronic illnesses such as anaemia and cancer. It also ensures a steady supply of essential blood components like plasma and platelets in hospitals, he added.
For donors, the act of giving blood offers multiple health benefits, including reducing iron overload, which can lower the risk of heart disease; stimulating new blood cell production as the body replenishes the donated blood and encourages cell renewal; and health screening as before donation, donors receive a free mini-health check, including tests for haemoglobin levels and certain infections.
Dr Tawseef outlined the requirements for donating blood: age: 18–65 years, weight at least 50 kg (110 lbs) and haemoglobin levels of a minimum of 12.5 g/dL for women and 13 g/dL for men. He said the donors must be in good health with no significant illnesses. Men can donate whole blood every 12 weeks, while women can donate every 16 weeks, he added.
Dr Mushtaq, another doctor, said platelets can be donated every 7 days, up to 24 times a year, and plasma every 28 days, up to 13 times a year.
Those with diabetes can donate blood if their condition is well-controlled through medication, diet or lifestyle, provided they do not use insulin derived from bovine sources, which is rare but relevant in certain regions, he said.
However, certain conditions disqualify individuals from donating blood. These include uncontrolled diabetes or other serious medical conditions; recent surgeries or vaccinations; pregnancy, recent childbirth or breastfeeding; and diagnosed infections such as HIV or Hepatitis B/C.
