Paradigm shift in blood donation

Paradigm shift in blood donation India has huge population of more than 1.3 billion, but is still short of blood by 20-25%. Blood donation is a requirement of the society. All donations should be voluntary. Blood donation camps are often organized by hospitals and NGOs. But these are whole blood donation camps. But, now no camp should be organized for ‘whole blood donation’. Instead components-only blood donation camps should be organised. One unit of blood collected can be used to help 3 to 4 patients, instead it is being wasted as whole blood depriving another patient in need. And, voluntary blood donation camps should be now called “blood component donation” camp and not just blood donation camp. So, if the blood being donated is collected in a single bag, do not give blood. Usually two component bags are used. 100 ml bags should be promoted for pediatric use. People with rare blood groups should not donate in camps. They should instead donate only when needed. Under the new National Blood Transfusion Council regulations, no blood is to be wasted. The surplus left over plasma is fractionated to manufacture products like albumin and intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIG). The blood that is donated in voluntary blood donation should be maximally utilized. The tests done are for blood groups (A, B, O) and Rh factor and five transfusion-transmitted infections namely hepatitis B and C viruses, HIV 1 & 2, VDRL and malaria. Tests with the shortest window should be chosen as per affordability. For safe blood transfusion, tests other than those prescribed by the government should also be available such as minor blood groups, nucleic acid amplification testing (NAT). NAT detects very low levels of viral RNA or DNA that may be present in donated blood and reduces the window period of detection of viruses like hepatitis C, hepatitis B, HIV, which may otherwise be undetected by 3rd generation or even 4th generation ELISA-based tests. The prevalence of hepatitis B, C and HIV is very high in India. The doctor has a duty to inform the donor that facilities for these other tests are also available and the donor or the recipient should have the right to ask for extra tests. Till they a national policy is formulated in this regard, a doctor can help the donor or the recipient to decide. An informed consent must be taken from the donor or the recipient explaining the risks by not doing these tests, however small and rare they might be. These tests may add to the cost of the blood transfusion, but patient safety is foremost. The donor’s blood should also be tested for lipids, liver enzymes (SGOT, SGPT), kidney function (creatinine); a complete hemogram can be done, so that the donor gets a comprehensive panel of tests done, when he/she volunteers to donate blood. Rational blood transfusion is safe blood transfusion… Transfuse blood only when necessary. If only one unit is required, don’t transfuse blood; if two units are required, transfuse one. If hemoglobin is more than 7, give a trial of intravenous iron first. This is also a very important way by which the transfusion-transmitted infections can be reduced. Dr KK Aggarwal National President IMA & HCFI Recipient of Padma Shri, Dr BC Roy National Award,Vishwa Hindi Samman, National Science Communication Award & FICCI Health Care Personality of the Year Award Vice President Confederation of Medical Associations of Asia and Oceania (CMAAO) Past Honorary Secretary General IMA Past Senior National Vice President IMA President Heart Care Foundation of India Gold Medallist Nagpur University Limca Book of Record Holder in CPR 10 Honorary Professor of Bioethics SRM Medical College Hospital & Research Centre Sr. Consultant Medicine & Cardiology, Dean Board of Medical Education, Moolchand Editor in Chief IJCP Group of Publications & eMedinewS Member Ethics Committee Medical Council of India (2013-14) Chairman Ethics Committee Delhi Medical Council (2009-15) Elected Member Delhi Medical Council (2004-2009) Chairman IMSA Delhi Chapter (March 10- March 13) Director IMA AKN Sinha Institute (08-09) Finance Secretary IMA (07-08) Chairman IMAAMS (06-07) President Delhi Medical Association (05-06)

Be a part of IMA's Blood Donation Movement

Be a part of IMA's Blood Donation Movement In the midst of stories of assaults on medical doctors and their establishments, National IMA team, with your support, has undertaken a herculean task of collecting more than one lakh blood component units on 1st July on the occasion of the Doctor’s Day. Indian Medical Association (IMA) is now community-friendly and has been engaged in activities that promote the betterment of the health of the community as well as the patients. India is the second most populous country in the world with a population of more than 1.2 billion. Yet, we are only 10% of the world requirement (13 million). India is a “Blood donation deficient” country with a deficit of 2 million in terms of units of blood collected. Blood donation is a humanitarian task. So, I request all IMA members to organize blood donation camps under the banner of IMA and pledge to transform India from a “Blood donation deficient” country to “Blood donation surplus” country. All blood donation camps should be “voluntary donation” “non-remunerated” and “Only components”. No camps should be organized for whole blood donation. “Only components” donation will save more than one life. The World Health Organization (WHO) has set a goal for all countries to obtain all their blood supplies from 100% voluntary unpaid donors by the year 2020. As I had mentioned few days back that IMA is now proposing the 1st of every month, starting from Doctor’s Day this year, as IMA Blood Donation Day. And, what better day than today to reaffirm our pledge as today happens to be the World Blood Donation Day. Be a part of the IMA’s Blood Donation Movement… IMA HQs and State Branches are waiting to felicitate you on your feat… Dr KK Aggarwal National President IMA Dr RN Tandon Hony Secy Gen IMA Dr Naresh Chawla Joint Secy, IMA-CGP National Coordinator, Blood Donation Movement

IMA to organize “Only components” Blood Donation Camps on 1st of every month starting 1st July

IMA to organize “Only components” Blood Donation Camps on 1st of every month starting 1st July
Dear Colleague
First of all, our heartiest compliments for being a part of IMA Dilli Chalo movement, which saw the biggest ever spontaneous congregation of medicos from all corners of India defying all calculations for the purpose of fighting for our legitimate demands.
We also must engage ourselves, in community-friendly projects, which re-enhance our image in the society. Blood donation camps can be one such activity.
Normally National health days are observed once a year. We propose all IMA days to be now monthly days instead of annual events, starting with the Blood Donation Day.
Many IMA branches keep organising blood donation camps. So, why not concentrate all our efforts on the 1st day of every month?
IMA is proposing to mark the ‘1st day of every month’ as “IMA Blood Donation Day”. We will make it a regular feature starting from the Doctors Day on 1st July this year and pledge to transform India to a “Blood Donation Surplus” country from a “Blood Donation Deficient” country. All state and local branches can organise blood donation camps across the country. National Aids Control Organization (NACO) and National Blood Transfusion Council (NBTC) have assured their full support on this venture. Keep the IMA HQs informed about the camps organized.
Some key information
• No camp should be organized for ‘whole blood donation’. • These blood donation camps should be “Voluntary donation, only for components” to save not just one life, but multiple lives. • In India, 11 million units are collected; 95% are utilized. • We are 10% of the world requirement (13 million); we are 2 million short. • To reduce this shortage, IMA should organize components-only blood donation camps; promote intravenous iron if hemoglobin is more than 7; avoid a single transfusion and if in doubt, do not transfuse. • The recipients of transfusion should be evaluated similar to the donors. • As per affordability, tests with the shortest window should be chosen. • The surplus plasma is given to indigenous plasma fractionators to manufacture albumin and intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIG). • All donor reactions must be reported. • The government has defined uniform processing charges for processing of blood and blood components, which the recipient will have to pay. • Even private blood banks can organise blood donation camps. • People with high risk sexual behavior should not donate blood. Let us save one lakh lives this 1St July by way of blood components. Dr KK Aggarwal, National President, Padma Shri Awardee Dr RN Tandon, Honorary Secretary General Dr Naresh Chawla, Joint Secretary HQs IMACGP, Donated blood > 125 times Some Slogans, more are welcome • Let's make India 'Blood Donation Surplus' • Blood Donation, the most pious Donation • 1.5 billion, but still blood donation short, Let's reverse it. • Your contribution of Blood, can save a life. Dr KK Aggarwal National President IMA

Heart Care Foundation of India dispels common myths about Blood Donation

Heart Care Foundation of India dispels common myths about Blood Donation

New Delhi, June 14, 2016: The theme for this year’s World Blood Donation Day that happens to be today is 'Blood connects us all'. On the occasion, National Health NGO, the Heart Care Foundation of India (HCFI) raised awareness about the importance of blood donation and dispelled common myths. According to a 2012 World Health Organisation (WHO) report, only nine million units are collected annually, while the need is for 12 million units. Delhi NCR alone faces a shortage of 1,00,000 units per year. Speaking about the same, Padma Shri Awardee Dr KK Aggarwal, President Heart Care Foundation of India (HCFI) and Honorary Secretary General IMA said, “There are various myths associated with blood donation that often prevent people from donating blood. It is important to raise awareness about the benefits of blood donation on a person’s health and its importance in helping save lives. Some common myths include the fear of catching diseases, running out of blood, developing iron deficiency and age, class and caste restrictions to donating blood. Blood donation is safe, beneficial and each and every healthy individual must be encouraged to donate blood at least once every year.” Common myths and facts about blood donation include: Myth: Blood donation is a painful procedure. Fact: The pain experienced is no more than a needle prick. Myth: HIV or other infections can be contracted from donating blood. Fact: A clear procedure exists for taking blood from each donor. Sterility is maintained at all steps. A sterile, new needle is used for each donation and is then properly discarded. Use of sterile equipment and technique limits the chance of infection. Myth: Donating blood frequently will make my body weak. Fact: A healthy person can donate blood four times a year with a minimum a 3 months’ gap between each blood donation. Myth: Giving blood is time consuming. Fact: The time taken for a single donation session is normally not more than an hour or so. Myth: Donating blood at frequent intervals make my body iron deficient Fact: No, a healthy individual with good eating habits can donate blood at regular intervals and this does not make them iron deficient. Myth: If I donate blood, my body may run out of blood in the long run Fact: Only about 350-450ml of blood is taken during a donation session. There is enough blood in the body to donate it without any ill effects. The body makes new blood after donation. Myth: Age is a deterrent to blood donation. Fact: Anyone between 18 until the age of 60 who is fit and healthy can give blood. Myth: Heavy people are healthier and have more blood give. Fact: Being overweight makes people less healthy. Overweight people do not have more blood. Myth: Health deteriorates after donating blood. Fact: If you are healthy prior to donation, your recovery is complete in a day or two. It is advised to rest a while after donating. Drinking enough liquids replaces the lost fluid within a couple of hours. The body produces new cells faster after a donation. All the RBCs are replaced within 3-4 days and WBCs within 3 weeks. Myth: you cannot take part in sports or other physical activities after donating blood. Fact: Giving blood does not interfere with ability to perform physically. Myth: When there is a requirement, blood can be manufactured. Fact: Blood is not something that can be manufactured. It can only come from healthy human beings. Myth: Religion and caste are key factors to keep in mind while donating blood Fact: Race and caste have no bearing on eligibility being a blood donor. It is the blood type and group that is of importance

Why all healthy individuals must donate blood

Why all healthy individuals must donate blood

Heart Care Foundation of India raises awareness about the health benefits of blood donation

                                                          

New Delhi, June 13, 2016: With Blood Donation Day fast approaching; it is important to raise awareness about the importance of regularly donating blood as well as the health benefits it carries. Donating blood can help save a person’s life. It also promotes good health by reducing one’s risk of getting cancer and hemochromatosis, reduces the risk of liver and pancreas damage, reduces obesity and improves cardiovascular health.

According to a 2012 World Health Organisation (WHO) report, only nine million units are collected annually, while the need is for 12 million units. Delhi NCR alone faces a shortage of 100,000 units per year. Statistics show that there are 234 million major operations in India, 63 million trauma-induced surgeries, 31 million cancer-related procedures and 10 million pregnancy related complications, which require blood transfusions.

Raising awareness, Padma Shri Awardee Dr KK ggarwal – President Heat Care Foundation of India & Honorary Secretary General IMA said, “Awareness must be raised about the fact that human blood cannot be manufactured, people are the only source and that is why it is important to donate blood and help those who need it. A healthy donor is typically between the age of 18 – 65 years and must not be suffering from disease such as Hepatitis, HIV etc. It is important that blood donation takes place in hospital or clinic or blood bank presence of medical experts.  A mini health exam that includes checklist for diseases related to blood pressure and infectious diseases should be conducted before initiating the collection of blood”.

Those who have pre-existing medical conditions should not donate blood.  People who have taken vaccinations or have undergone any surgery or have cancer, diabetes, cold and flu should consult their health experts before donating blood. Pregnant women should also seek expert advice before donating blood.

Health benefits of donating blood include:

Reduced risk of Hemochromatosis: Hemochromatosis is a health condition that arises due to excess absorption of iron by the body. This may be inherited or may be caused due to alcoholism, anemia or other disorders. Regular blood donation may help in reducing iron overload.

Anti-cancer benefits: Blood donation may also help in lowering risk of cancer. By donating blood the iron stores in the body are maintained at healthy levels. And the reduction in iron levels in the body is linked with low cancer risk.

Healthy heart and liver: Blood donation is beneficial in reducing risk of heart and liver ailments caused by iron overload in the body.

Weight Loss- Regular blood donation reduces the weightof the donors. This is helpful to those who are obese and are at higher risk of cardiovascular diseases and other health disorders. However, the blood donation should not be very frequent and you may consult your doctor before donating blood to avoid any health issues.

New blood cells - After donating blood, the body works to replenish the blood loss. This stimulates the production of new blood cells and in turn helps in maintaining good health.

Donate blood, stay healthy and save lives.