India directs government offices to observe World Blood Donor Day

The Union government has ordered all ministries, departments, attached offices and autonomous bodies to mark World Blood Donor Day on June 14, under the theme “One Drop of Humanity, Give Blood, Save Lives.” An order from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare dated May 22 directs these entities to organise awareness activities, voluntary blood‑donation camps and other outreach programmes, and to disseminate the campaign message through social, print and electronic media.

India requires about 14.6 million units of blood each year, yet a shortfall persists, with an estimated 12,000 patients dying daily due to lack of timely, safe blood. The World Health Organization recommends that 1 % of a country’s population donate blood, implying a need for roughly 14 million donors; the country currently has about 8.9 million registered donors. The government's initiative aims to boost donor participation and alleviate the chronic shortage.