Anomalies in blood donor recruitment system in India

[Guest guest]

Dear FORUM,

I would like to call your attention to some of the anomalies in blood donor

recruitment system in India and how that unduly discriminate women donors and

even male donors who are willing but cannot donate blood because of their

Haemoblobin content.

Many women who are otherwise interested and eligible to be non-renumerated

voluntary blood donors cannot donate blood because some blood banks insist on

the donors having 12.5 gm /dl Haemoglobin. We all know that a miniscule

percentage of women in India possess this 'magic' cut off parameter. Does it

mean that in spite of being desirous of being so , a large majority of women in

India will not be able to take pride of being blood donors ? Will the forum put

forth its view in this matter ? Similar is the case with willing men who donot

have 12.5 gm?dl Hb.

The Drugs and Cosmetic Act does mention of the 12.5 mg / dl cut off. Many people

from different parts of the country I have interact with informally mentions

that blood banks do speak of this cut off and at times refuse blood donors. Some

blood banks are lenient. However, the question remains - if we have an act,

which says that 12.5 gm / dl is the cut off and I run a blood bank, I have all

the reasons in this word to refuse the blood donation.

What I am trying to do it to stimulate a discussion among the members who may be

able to through light on this matter. If something can be done on this magic

number 12.5, we can motivate many more eager and willing women (and men) blood

donors to come forward as non-renumerated voluntary blood donors and reduce the

deficit of blood for transfusion!

Regards

Dr Chiranjeeb Kakoty

NESPYM, " Puspalaya "

Red Cross Road

Khaliamari, Dibrugarh 786 001

Phone :- 2320150

E-mail: <chkakoty1@...>