Health Minister launched Raktdaan Amrit Mahotsav

Union Health Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya has launched Raktdaan Amrit Mahotsav, a nationwide drive for voluntary blood donation from this year. This special drive is a portion of the “Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav”. Mandaviya also contributed and donated blood at a camp placed up at Safdarjung Hospital.
The minister encouraged citizens to register on the Aarogya Setu application or e-Raktkosh portal to contribute blood as part of the ‘Raktdaan Amrit Mahotsav’, which will be held till October 1 which is the National Voluntary Blood Donation Day.
The registrations for this Raktdaan Amrit Mahotsav have started on the E-Raktkosh outlet and Aarogya Setu.
According to an authorized source, the campaign strives to collect near to one lakh divisions of blood in a day, besides increasing awareness about the necessity for routine non-remunerated voluntary blood donations.
“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others — Mahatma Gandhi. With this spirit, join Raktdaan Amrit Mahotsav beginning on September 17. Every blood donor is a life-saver,” said Mandaviya.
According to the source, the purpose of the drive is to build a storage of volunteer blood donors so that those in requirement can get service on time and minimize the requirement for replacement blood donation. Every blood bank is being prompted to schedule at least one blood donation center as part of the drive. There are more than 3,900 blood banks in the nation with satisfactory storage and processing capability. So far, 3,600 blood banks have been linked with the e-Raktkosh portal and actions are on to string in the remaining ones, the source said. Healthy individuals have about 5 to 6 liters of blood in their body and one can contribute blood after every 3 months, an official said.
Dr. Mandaviya met the supporters at the blood donation center and admired their selfless action of donating blood. Removing myths encircling blood donation, Dr. Mandaviya said that “A person has 5–6 liters of blood in their body and can donate blood every 90 days (3 months).” The body can recuperate blood very fast; blood plasma volume within 24–48 hours, red blood cells in about 3 weeks, and platelets & white blood cells within minutes.
The nationwide campaign is supported by the centralized blood bank management information system. This will guarantee a robust record of blood donors and will expedite blood availability when in demand.