Blood donation in India is highly susceptible to seasonal fluctuations, with academic calendars, weather conditions, and festivals playing a major role in influencing donor turnout. The summer months, in particular, present multiple challenges — exams and vacations reduce the availability of student donors, while extreme heat and dehydration risks deter participation.
According to a report from the National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO), in 2015-16, blood banks supported by NACO in India collected 63.85 lakh units of blood, with 79% coming from voluntary, non-remunerated donations. Of this collected blood, 69% was separated into components. NACO-supported blood banks accounted for 59.4% of the total blood collected, with 80.5% of their collection being voluntary.
The Voluntary Blood Donation Guidelines by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare state that blood donation rates decline significantly during academic breaks and exam periods, as colleges and universities are key venues for blood donation camps. This is further exacerbated during major national and religious festivals—such as Diwali, Eid, and Christmas , when travel, celebrations, and fasting reduce donor participation.
India’s extreme seasonal weather also hampers blood donation efforts. High summer temperatures lead to dehydration and fatigue, discouraging donors and complicating outdoor blood drives. “The summer months always come with challenges — vacations reduce access to our primary donor base, heat, dehydration risks, and cultural factors all contribute,” said Anish P., assistant director (Voluntary Blood Donation), Kerala State Blood Transfusion Council (KSBTC).
The monsoon season also adds logistical challenges and coincides with a rise in vector-borne diseases like dengue and chikungunya, which increase the demand for platelets and temporarily disqualify many potential donors due to illness. These overlapping factors make it harder to sustain a consistent and safe blood supply during critical periods.
Need for awareness on shelf life
To highlight the importance of awareness about blood components for effective donation strategies, Antonio Paul, Consultant in Transfusion Medicine at Medical Trust Hospital, Cochin, emphasises the need for public education on the science behind blood donation. “Donated blood is separated into components — red blood cells, plasma, platelets, and cryoprecipitate, each with specific medical uses and limited shelf lives,” he says. Red blood cells can be stored for 35 to 42 days, plasma and cryoprecipitate for up to a year when frozen, while platelets last only 5 to 7 days and require constant agitation at room temperature.
Due to these constraints, Dr. Paul says that timely use and efficient storage are crucial to maximising the impact of each donation. He also pointed out that during times of reported shortages, when aggressive donation drives are initiated, effective management becomes essential. This can be achieved, to a large extent, by educating the public about the journey of their donated blood, its components, and its shelf life, ensuring better understanding and more responsible donations.
Collaborative models and regional initiatives
To address the supply-demand gap caused by seasonal slumps and increased needs from elective surgeries, States such as Kerala are adopting innovative regional partnerships and decentralised models. Chitra James, assistant professor at GMC Kollam Medical College Hospital, explains, “When we anticipate potential shortages — such as fewer blood donation camps in colleges during vacations — we plan ahead. However, there are still many gaps to be filled.”
Additionally, Dr. James highlights how the Kerala State Blood Transfusion Council (KSBTC) has collaborated with the Kerala Library Council, the National Service Scheme (NSS), and local self-governments (LSGs) to expand blood donation efforts to rural and community levels. In 2024 alone, more than 950 blood donation camps were held across the State. By 2025, the goal is for every LSG to host at least one camp annually, he says.
This model is being replicated in other regions as well. “In North India, the Red Cross plays a significant role, while in southern states like Kerala, voluntary organisations and grassroots networks fill the gap,” Mr. Anish says. Digital tools like the Cold Blood app, developed in partnership with Kerala Police, are also helping streamline donation requests and monitor real-time blood availability.
Irfan Shakeer, epidemiologist at Clarivate India, a healthcare company providing data and analytics solutions, says, “The public health sector is typically aware of the demographic movement during the summer season and attempts to streamline blood donations accordingly. However, challenges persist in effectively managing the demand and supply.”
Cultural shifts, community drives, and donor well-being
Experts agree that achieving a stable, year-round blood supply requires both cultural and logistical shifts. Mr. Anish emphasises the need to view blood donation as a civic duty rather than an act of charity. “We must treat voluntary blood donation as a social responsibility. It is a civic duty that benefits donors as well,”he said.
Complementing these efforts, the Indian government has launched several initiatives to strengthen the country’s voluntary blood donation framework. These include awareness campaigns, online platforms like e-RaktKosh, and collaborations with organisations such as the Indian Red Cross Society to organise blood donation camps. The goal is to ensure a safe, sufficient, and reliable blood supply across the country. The e-RaktKosh digital platform plays a key role by integrating blood banks nationwide, providing real-time data on blood availability, and helping to optimise inventory and supply chains.
A.K. Singh, co-founder of the R. Win Foundation, an NGO based in Uttar Pradesh focused on healthcare and wellbeing, says, “Community-level campaigns like our NGO-led ‘Swasthify’ initiative focus on preventive healthcare and resource optimisation to help manage the summer donation slump.”
Dr. James, further stresses that blood donation camps must be assessed for their real impact. “Blood donation camps also need to be validated based on the output and not the way it looks — performative donations for the sake of advertisements don’t do anything.” She also adds that for more successful donation drives, the comfort and well-being of donors must be prioritised, ensuring a supportive experience especially during seasons like summer.
Shared responsibility with mutual benefits
Voluntary blood donation carries mutual benefits. For recipients, it provides essential support during surgeries, trauma, and chronic illness treatments. For donors, it offers health benefits such as improved blood cell regeneration and early detection of health issues. Promoting these dual benefits, as experts point out, can foster a more resilient and compassionate blood donation culture.
Published – April 12, 2025 06:24 pm IST