'Blood deficit in India growing'

Blood deficit in the country is growing despite donation going up to twice the level that existed in 2007, said an official of the department of AIDS control Tuesday.

"Blood donation in the country has gone up to twice the level... which was in 2007, but deficit of blood continues to increase," said Additional Secretary Aradhana Johri of department of AIDS control at an event here.

Attending a function on the occasion of the Voluntary Blood Donation Day, observed Oct 1, Johri said: "There should be clinical audit of medical facilities so that they prescribe blood components rather than the whole blood, as a single unit of blood can save three or more lives."

Jagdish Prasad, director general of health services, health and family welfare, sought regulation of blood banks by the National Aids Control Organisation, the nodal agency for formulation of policy and implementation of programmes for prevention and control of HIV/AIDS.

"I strongly feel that the blood banks in the country should be centralised and regulated," said Prasad.

Miss Universe 2012 Francis Olivia Culpo, who was also present at the event at the Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, urged all to come forward to donate blood.