Blood transfusion plays a crucial role saving countless lives worldwide. Approximately 234 million major operations, 63 million trauma-induced surgeries, 31 million cancer-related procedures, and 10 million pregnancy-related complications require blood transfusions annually. In 2025, according to the e-Raktkosh, India requires an average of 14.6 million blood units annually, but our country faces a consistent shortfall of around 1 million units per year.
The only source of blood available for transfusion is human donors, the real life heroes! Blood donation is a selfless act that can benefit up to three individuals per donation. Altruistic voluntary donations ensure a stable blood supply, enabling timely treatment for patients in need. It would be apt address these voluntary blood donors as the life line of all blood centres.
From animal to human transfusion, Transfusion medicine has undergone drastic changes over a period of 35 decades with notable advancements that enhance transfusion safety and efficiency like
The process of transfusion starts with bedside healthcare professional requesting blood components from a licensed blood centre. The processed and matched blood component released from the blood centre is carefully transported to patient’s bedside with appropriate cold chain measures. Accurate patient identification, verification of the blood component, observation and monitoring of patients pre, during and post transfusion for vitals and adverse reaction are crucial to ensure patient safety and procedure outcome. Though transfusion process appears simple, maintaining a proper cold chain, meticulous patient care, careful monitoring and documentation goes a long way in ensuring a safe transfusion and good patient outcome while minimizing adverse events
It is fitting to describe these common and often taken for granted blood transfusions ‘Humble transplants’, as they save lives, rely on the kindness of donors, nevertheless requiring the best care, quality and documentation as any other transplant. Transfusion medicine continues to evolve, becoming more evidence-based and reliable while both government and private sectors vigilantly oversee blood transfusion and donation activities. However the real success of these transfusions lie in the heart of blood donors and hands of healthcare personnel who process and administer the blood components. While many blood donation awareness campaigns highlight the benefits of blood donation as reduced risk of heart disease, iron overload, obesity, a free health screen and self-satisfaction, let me conclude by adding one more – every Indian citizen with voting rights and weighing over 45 kg has an equal opportunity to be a part of this ‘humble transplant’ and take pride in doing so.
Dr. Shanmugha Priya R.A., MD (IHBT), DCP, MBA Consultant Transfusion Medicine
What is a blood transfusion and why is it important?
A blood transfusion is the process of transferring donated blood to a patient, essential for surgeries, trauma care, cancer treatments, and managing chronic conditions.
Who can donate blood?
Generally, anyone aged 18–65 years, weighing at least 45 kg, and in good health can donate blood, following standard medical eligibility guidelines.
What are the benefits of donating blood?
Donating blood may help maintain heart health, regulate iron levels, provide a mini health screening, and offer the emotional reward of saving lives.
How has blood transfusion technology improved?
Innovations include component separation, apheresis, advanced screening, extended storage, and pathogen reduction, making transfusions safer and more efficient.
Why blood transfusion is called a ‘humble transplant’?
Though less recognized than organ transplants, blood transfusion saves lives, depends on donor kindness, and involves high standards of medical care—making it a quiet yet powerful form of transplantation.
Kauvery Hospital is globally known for its multidisciplinary services at all its Centers of Excellence, and for its comprehensive, Avant-Grade technology, especially in diagnostics and remedial care in heart diseases, transplantation, vascular and neurosciences medicine. Located in the heart of Trichy (Tennur, Royal Road and Alexandria Road (Cantonment), Chennai (Alwarpet & Vadapalani), Hosur, Salem, Tirunelveli and Bengaluru, the hospital also renders adult and pediatric trauma care.
Chennai Alwarpet – 044 4000 6000 • Chennai Vadapalani – 044 4000 6000 • Trichy – Cantonment – 0431 4077777 • Trichy – Heartcity – 0431 4003500 • Trichy – Tennur – 0431 4022555 • Hosur – 04344 272727 • Salem – 0427 2677777 • Tirunelveli – 0462 4006000 • Bengaluru – 080 6801 6801
