Nearly 75% of India’s Blood Supply Comes from Voluntary Donations: NITI Aayog Member

New Delhi, October 1, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)

Nearly 75 per cent of India’s blood collection comes from voluntary donations, NITI Aayog Member (Health) Dr M. Srinivas said on Thursday, calling for greater public participation to bridge the gap between blood demand and availability across the country.

Addressing the National Voluntary Blood Donation Day (NVBDD) 2026 programme at the Swarn Jayanti Auditorium of Lady Hardinge Medical College, Dr Srinivas underscored the importance of voluntary blood donation in ensuring a safe, adequate and sustainable supply of blood and its components.

He urged governments, healthcare professionals, non-governmental organisations, voluntary groups and youth organisations to work together to expand voluntary blood donation and address existing shortages. He also stressed the need for rational and optimal utilisation of blood and its components, alongside sustained awareness campaigns to encourage regular donations.

Dr Srinivas called on healthcare institutions and community organisations to take awareness initiatives to the grassroots, educating people about blood donation and the importance of blood components. He said these efforts should also address nutrition and anaemia, particularly among women and adolescent girls.

The programme was organised by the Blood Transfusion Services Division of the Directorate General of Health Services under the Union Health Ministry, in collaboration with Lady Hardinge Medical College and its associated hospitals in Delhi. This year’s theme was “One Drop of Humanity. Give Blood. Save Lives.”

The event began with the inauguration of a voluntary blood donation camp, followed by a pledge, addresses by dignitaries and the felicitation of states, organisations and stakeholders for their contributions.

Administering the pledge, Dr Srinivas encouraged citizens to donate blood regularly and motivate others to participate in donation drives. He also acknowledged the role of blood donation organisations and volunteers in supporting healthcare services and saving lives.