The Economics of Emergency Care
Blood Banks and Shortages
How India depends on voluntary blood donation, why shortages occur in some areas and seasons, the ban on paid donation, and blood component separation.
Emergencies need blood.
Donation
India relies on voluntary donation; paid donation was banned after a Supreme Court order in 1996, effective from 1998.
Replacement donation
Families are sometimes asked to find replacement donors.
Shortages
- Some districts lack blood banks.
- Donations fall in summer and holidays.
Components
Separating blood into red cells, plasma and platelets lets one donation help several patients.
e-RaktKosh
An online portal shows blood availability at banks.
Economics
Blood can’t be bought or sold, so supply depends on altruism.
In May, a blood bank runs low as college students who often donate go home for holidays.
Paid donation is banned.
- India relies on voluntary donation.
- Paid donation was banned.
- Shortages occur by area and season.
- Component separation helps more patients.
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