The aim of having special days earmarked for blood donation is to increase global awareness on safe blood and the safety of blood transfusion. This day is celebrated by the WHO (World Health Organisation.) It is especially important during the pandemic, where the requirement for blood and blood products is on the rise.
A reminder of volunteers who are unpaid and donate blood, whose contribution is very important and critical to society is made on this day. Blood donors all over the world have come together to support the needy in their countries, who require blood and plasma. With restrictions on the movement of people and the surge in the number of COVID -19 afflicted patients, it finding blood and plasma is a very difficult task. The ready availability of this precious life resource is therefore welcomed by many all across the world.
The ICMR or the Indian Council of Medical Research along with the Union Health Ministry, has removed plasma therapy or the use of convalescent plasma last month.
During the pandemic it is not only COVID patients but others like those affected by anemia, thalassemia, postpartum hemorrhage, blood deficiencies, and other medical emergencies that would be requiring blood transfusions, Availability of safe blood is always needed as a backup for routine medical procedures and medical emergencies.
It is understandable that regular blood donors may be filled with apprehension about donating blood during the pandemic but information has been provided regarding its safety. This will go a long way in allaying the fears of some donors so that blood donation can be carried out uninterrupted.
Blood donation is a noble task and donating blood has always been regarded as a good gesture!