Jahangeer Ganaie
Srinagar, Jun 14: Apart from a noble act to save precious lives, the health experts here have stated that the blood donation provides significant health benefits to the donor, including a reduced risk of heart attack.
Dr. Tawseef Ahmad Lone, a general physician at the Directorate of Health Services Kashmir (DHSK), said that regular blood donation plays a crucial role in maintaining cardiovascular health. “Donating blood even once a year can improve blood flow, reduce arterial blockages, and lower iron overload, which is linked to heart disease,” he said.
He said that blood donation helps in balancing iron levels in the body, potentially reducing the risk of certain cancers. “It also acts as a mini-health check, where the donor’s hemoglobin and basic vitals are tested, potentially revealing hidden health issues,” Dr. Tawseef added.
In addition to benefiting the donor, the contribution has a direct impact on patients undergoing surgeries, trauma victims and those suffering from chronic conditions like anemia, cancer, and blood disorders.
“Hospitals rely on voluntary blood donors to maintain a constant supply of whole blood and its components—platelets, plasma and red blood cells,” he added.
According to doctors, to be eligible to donate blood, an individual must be between 18–65 years of age, weigh at least 50 kg (110 lbs), have a hemoglobin level of at least 12.5 g/dL (for women) and 13 g/dL (for men), be in generally good health, not have donated whole blood in the last 12 weeks (for men) or 16 weeks (for women)
Dr Shahnaz Akhter, a senior medical officer said that the donation intervals for various components include:- for whole blood, once every 12 weeks (men) and 16 weeks (women), platelets: Every 7 days, up to 24 times per year, plasma: every 28 days, up to 13 times per year.
She further explained that people with well-managed diabetes—whether controlled through medication, diet or lifestyle changes—can safely donate blood. However, those using bovine insulin (though rare) or having uncontrolled diabetes are deferred from donation.
Other deferral conditions include recent surgery or certain vaccinations, active infections such as HIV, Hepatitis B or C, pregnancy, recent delivery, or breastfeeding and chronic medical conditions or medications that may impact health.
Doctors urged healthy individuals to come forward and donate regularly. “The demand for blood is constant, and your single donation can save up to three lives,” they said. “Donating blood is a simple act of humanity that costs nothing but offers immeasurable value,” they added further. (KNO)
