Blood Donation Camp in Colleges

India with a population of about one hundred crores is naturally the country which requires lot of blood to save lives of its citizens. It has been quoted that there is a need of about 8 million units of blood every year in our country. Out of this, only half that is around 4 million units can be obtained from voluntary blood donors. Rest all comes from replacement blood donation from relatives or paid donors. As per the guidelines provided by Govt. of India, blood is to be collected only from voluntary blood donors or relatives of the patient. Acceptance of blood from professional blood donors under any circumstances is strictly prohibited. The consequences of such blood are catastrophic as it can help in transmission of AIDS or hepatitis B. In general, malpractices in blood transfusion services are due to shortage of blood in the blood banks. Ignorance of people and to some extent their fear and misconcepts regarding blood donation are responsible for this state of affairs. Not many voluntary organizations devote their precious time and resources for motivating people for voluntary blood donation.

National Service Scheme is a central programme run by most of the colleges in India. The scheme aims at creating social awareness in college students regarding the issues and problems of 'our' people. It gives students the opportunities to work with and for the people to enrich their own lives with lot of practical experience and unending satisfaction. NSS unit of best colleges in Indore are actively involved in various programmes of public health importance.

College students are healthy, enthusiastic and approachable as a group through NSS activities due to existing infrastructure of this programme. These students if 'caught young' are future donors and motivators.