Jahangeer Ganaie
Srinagar, Oct 1: On the occasion of National Voluntary Blood Donors Day, doctors across Jammu and Kashmir reiterated the importance of voluntary blood donation, calling it not just an act of humanity that saves lives but also a practice that significantly benefits the donor’s own health.
Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Anantnag, Dr Khalid Parvaiz said that awareness about blood donation is improving, but more people, especially the youth, need to come forward to make it a regular practice.
“Blood donation is one of the noblest contributions a person can make to society. Apart from saving the lives of patients suffering from cancer, blood disorders, accident victims, and those undergoing surgeries, it also benefits the donor by improving heart health and balancing iron levels in the body,” he said.
Dr Parvaiz added that every unit of blood can save up to three lives as it is separated into components like platelets, plasma, and red blood cells that cater to different patients. “Regular donation helps reduce the risk of heart attack, prevents iron overload, and improves blood circulation. It is also a kind of mini-health checkup for the donor since vitals and haemoglobin are assessed before each donation,” he explained.
Dr Mudasir Lone, a general physician at the Directorate of Health Services Kashmir (DHSK), said donating blood once or twice a year plays a crucial role in maintaining cardiovascular health.“Studies have shown that regular donation reduces arterial blockages, maintains healthy blood viscosity, and lowers iron overload, all of which are linked to a reduced risk of heart disease,” he said.
He further noted that balanced iron levels also lower the chances of developing certain cancers, while the pre-donation screening process often helps identify hidden medical conditions.
Dr Shahnaz Akhter, another senior medical officer, explained the eligibility criteria for donation. “To donate blood, a person must be between 18–65 years of age, weigh at least 50 kg, and have a minimum haemoglobin level of 12.5 g/dL for women and 13 g/dL for men. Whole blood donation can be done every 12 weeks for men and every 16 weeks for women, while platelet and plasma donations follow shorter intervals,” she said.
According to her, people with controlled diabetes can safely donate, but those with uncontrolled diabetes, active infections like HIV or Hepatitis, and individuals who have recently undergone surgery or received certain vaccinations are deferred.
Doctors cautioned against donating in cases of active infections, flu, cold, uncontrolled hypertension, pregnancy, recent childbirth, or if the donor had a tattoo or piercing in the past 3–6 months.
Medical experts stressed that the demand for blood remains constant in hospitals due to surgeries, trauma cases, and chronic illnesses. “Every healthy individual should make it a habit to donate. A single pint of blood can save multiple lives, and the sense of satisfaction one gets from helping others is priceless,” they said.
They appealed to people to spread awareness and encourage voluntary donation. “Blood cannot be manufactured; it only comes from generous donors. By donating, you’re giving someone the most precious gift — the gift of life,” they added. (KNO)
