Hype Around Blood Donation
Last weekend had our inboxes filled with awareness messages about
donating blood as World Blood Donation Day falls on 14th June 2020. This must-have raised the question in many minds as to 'why is such a day given so much
importance even during the pandemic times?'. The silent disapproval for donating
blood has been around for generations and hence, we have to go on a journey through
generations for answering the above question.
People
now above the 80s were very sacred of blood donation, owning to the lack of awareness
and superstitions. They were not sure if this practice was allowed in a
religious context. It was predominant to avoid surgeries that needed a blood
transfusion as they could never agree to any unknown person's blood running
through their veins. Their generation can be spared as they did not get to see many
accidents, medical technologies and the need that we have now. We don't have to
worry about their fears in this aspect just as long as they do not require
blood anytime (That would lead to a big drama during stressful times).
The
direct contrast to the 80+ is the youth of India. These are people working day
and night without having a break to move even from their chairs. The ladies of
this group have started being obsessed with being thin (not zero figure, but
the border case of being thin). Men and women are careful to keep their skins
flawless and handsome/ beautiful, but not as careful to take care of their
health (avoiding alcohol, cigarettes, eating right and healthy). You can listen
to most of them stating - 'we need blood, how can we donate!'.
The middle
group in 40 to 60s are normally in the mindset that donating blood will lead to
a person becoming weak. Many in this generation also encourage the younger ones
to donate. I took an oath to keep myself healthy as I watched my father donate
blood number of times. Unfortunately, I have also seen cases where the parents
tore the certificates of their children who donated blood for the first time.
Honestly
speaking, to go to a blood donation camp and getting out for reasons like being
underweight, not having healthy, nutritious food is like failing an exam even
before attempting it. It feels good (let's be slightly selfish here) when we
are healthy enough to donate blood.
False
messages, stating that a lot of the donated blood is thrown away by medical
facilities are also in rounds on social media. The fact though is, only the
units found to have any disease or issue is thrown away. No blood bank has an
excess of the lifeline in need to throw units away without a cause.
In this present pandemic condition, blood banks have seen a
fall in voluntary and replacement donations. Further, blood donation camps
cannot be held in the current situation. Although all elective surgeries have
been postponed, those in routine requirement of blood (Thalassemia,
Haemophilia, oncology patients and accident victims) require blood. Hence, the
demand is never going to decrease.
From our side, we can check the organization that is
collecting the blood, its authentication and hygiene. Giving up the idea of
donating blood be it for any superficial reason is not something to pat ourself
for. We all know stories where a person/ young child could have survived if
they had got the required blood within the time. For all we know, they can
survive years ahead and be a part of making a good future. We can also make
ourself feel worthy and good by donating something that doesn't cost us
anything.
