In India, every two seconds someone requires blood. According to a report by the Lancet, India is known for the largest blood scarcity in the world.

This deficiency is due to various factors, including low rate of voluntary blood donation, insufficient infrastructure and lack of public awareness. While frequent donation drives help blood banks fill stock with large -scale donations, becoming a lifelong blood donor proves more beneficial for both recipient and donor than a volunteer.

India requires 14.6 million units of blood every year, but decreases by fulfilling this demand. Just a donated unit can be separated in red cells, plasma and platelets – saving up to three lives.

Who are the lifelong blood donors?

Lifetime donors are considered regular blood donors who donate every 3 to 4 months. They are not classified for the first time or as topical donors.

Dr. Hema Goyal, Advisor-Lab Services, Akash Healthcare said, “His contribution is considered highly beneficial. In our community, in the most inspired individuals, they constantly ensure the availability of safe blood components for those. They rely as a reliable source in blood centers to maintain adequate blood stocks.”

In -charge of Transfusion Medicine and Blood Center in New Delhi, Dr. Mahima Singhal said that a lifelong blood donor is a person committed to donating blood regularly throughout his life, which usually takes place every three months for men and every four months for women.

The doctor explained, “His frequent contribution helps maintain a reliable blood supply and meet the ongoing demand for blood and its components. Only one unit of donated blood can save three to four lives,” the doctor explained.

Benefits of being a lifetime blood donor?

Regular donors undergo several health check -ups during each trip, which often leads to long -term health benefits.

Dr. Goyal said, “Since they are familiar with the donation process, they experience less adverse reactions. These individuals are actually the backbone of blood donation program in our community.”

Dr. Singhal said that many people avoid donating blood due to common fears, such as the vision of needles, misunderstandings that they are not eligible, or have concerns about safety.

“Some concerns they may faint, or believe in myths such as the risk of contracting HIV or other infections during charity, which is completely baseless. In fact, the body changes the amount of blood lost within 48 hours, and red blood cells are restored within about three months. If you have doubts, always talk to a doctor.

He further stated that patients with chronic conditions such as blood cancer, thalassemia, sickle cell anemia, and other hemoglobin disorders – often depend on regular infections. He said, “Blood is also immediately needed during trauma, accidents and complex surgery. That is why being a lifelong blood donor is not just helpful-this is a life-saving,” he said.

Beyond helping recipients, blood donation also provides many health benefits to the donor. Regular donors receive regular health screening, and emerging evidence suggests that blood donation can support heart health.

“Blood donation is associated with low blood pressure and low risk of heart attack,” Dr. Ujjwal Kumar, Senior Advisor, Cardiology, Sarvodaya Hospital said. “This is partially because blood donation helps regulate the iron level and reduces the viscosity (thickness) of the blood, which in turn, reduces stress on the heart and reduces the risk of clotting formation.”

Dr. Kumar said that every time a person donates blood, the body is motivated to produce new blood cells. “This natural renovation process can help maintain a healthy blood profile and support vascular health over time,” he said.

For individuals with border or lightly high blood pressure, regular blood donation may also have a slight low effect. “This can be due to a temporary decrease in blood volume and improvement in vascular function, which reduces pressure on the heart and arteries,” Dr. Kumar said.

Given that donating blood has many health benefits and saves life, doctors emphasized that India only needs a lifetime blood donors compared to volunteers.