Health sciences university launches blood donor network across Karnataka districts

Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences launches Rajiv Gandhi Rakta Kosh in all district headquarters to encourage blood donations

The Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences will register willing donors from its pool of approximately 4 lakh students and over 40,000 teachers on a dedicated website, creating district-wise blood repositories to connect those in need with volunteers who can donate immediately.

Network of blood repositories across Karnataka

The Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences (RGUHS) has taken steps to establish blood repositories named 'Rajiv Gandhi Rakta Kosh' at all district centres in Karnataka. The initiative aims to encourage students and teachers to donate blood and ensure local availability of blood for those in need. Additionally, measures are being taken to promote platelet donation, with a decision to facilitate direct contact between platelet donors and recipients.

Efforts are on to develop dedicated software for this purpose. According to data from the Karnataka State AIDS Prevention Society, there are 273 blood banks in the State, comprising 45 government blood banks, 104 charitable private blood banks, 113 private hospital blood banks, and 11 Indian Red Cross Society (IRCS) blood banks. However, obtaining blood during emergencies remains a challenge.

Bridging the gap between donors and recipients

Although many people are willing to donate, they often lack awareness regarding where and how to do so. So, RGUHS plans to act as a bridge between donors and recipients by establishing blood repositories. Speaking to The Hindu, Bhagavan B. C., Vice-Chancellor of RGUHS, said, "There are approximately 4 lakh students and over 40,000 teachers across the colleges affiliated with our university. However, such a large number of students lack adequate information regarding blood donation.

Therefore, we have decided to set up blood repositories in all district headquarters".

Dedicated website with donor registration

A dedicated website is also being developed for the Rajiv Gandhi Rakta Kosh. "We collect comprehensive data from all students at the time of their admission to colleges. Consequently, students and staff willing to donate blood will be registered on this website with details such as their blood group and full address. Donor names and other details will be kept confidential.

Information regarding the availability of specific blood groups in various districts will also be displayed on the website. If someone with a blood requirement submits a request with the necessary details, the information will be immediately circulated among students and teachers. We will then list the students who step forward as voluntary donors, match their blood groups, and facilitate the donation process," Dr. Bhagavan said.

However, no student will be forced to register for blood donation. They will register only those who consent voluntarily, he added.

Central monitoring system

"We will establish repositories in all districts. Additionally, we will set up a central repository at the university, from where all districts will be monitored. Information regarding available donors in each district will also be provided on the website, enabling people to contact local donors and obtain blood," the Vice-Chancellor explained.

Special focus on platelet donation

Dr. Bhagavan further said that there are plenty of blood donors, but not enough platelet donors. "People are not very aware of this," he stated. "While there is high demand for platelets, there are very few donors. Since there is a lack of public awareness, we have decided to place special emphasis on platelet donation. We will raise awareness among our students and teachers and encourage them to donate platelets," he added.

Source: The Hindu