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NSS Blood Donation Drive at IIT Kharagpur (March 2013)

Here's an account of my experience of the nicely conducted March 2013 blood donation drive by NSS at IIT Kharagpur. Also, some issues related to blood donations are discussed.

I encountered a medical article (you may read it later; link at the end of the post) about the problems with blood donation in India. There, it's mentioned that myths and fears are major issues. Hopefully, this post would address some of them.

I hadn't donated before. I wasn't very enthusiastic to do it in my previous years, because of bad health and some apprehension about the donation itself. Though subsequently, some of my friends told me about their experiences and my health was better too. So, I decided to do it whenever the next drive comes up. Though, as I came to know later, little health problems aren't a big deal for blood donation. A doctor performs a check-up before the donation anyway.

I came to know about the programme through my hall's notice board. (Some parts of this post might seem like unnecessary detail to some readers. But I can't help it. :P It's all relevant from my viewpoint.) It was to be held on a Saturday (16th March), 10 AM onwards at the institute's BC Roy Hospital. Institute's NSS group, the student powered public service organization, was organizing the programme. They had posted the detailed process on their website and Facebook. It's quite a well-written and concise post, describing the whole process and includes a FAQ to clear the typical apprehensions. A must-read, to know the basic stuff.



Before the day of donation, a simple online regitration was needed on their link, after which a slot was alloted for the registered person. Mine was for 10:30 AM.

Courtesy: http://nssiitkgp.blogspot.in/2013/03/blood-donation-camp-report.html

The whole process (from leaving the hall, donation and coming back) took just about an hour. So, it doesn't take much of your time. Upon getting there, quite some time was spent waiting in the line. So, it doesn't hurt to invite some friends to come with you. :) Then after a quick medical check-up, I got to the actual donation process, which took about 5 minutes. One has to lie down, have a needle inserted in the arm and simply work their wrist to let the blood fill up the little bag (1 unit of blood). (1 unit = 350 ml, Total blood in a normal individual = 5-6 liters) For this process, two doctors were there for each donor. Then, after a rest of 10-15 minutes and a little snack given by them, I could leave. Also, they give you a certificate and a coin before you leave.

It was a nice experience. The turnout was quite good. Some Professors had also come to donate. Proper hygiene was maintained and my earlier apprehensions were cleared. As I said, the NSS folks and the medical staff had done a great job to organize the camp.

One thing I came across was the fear of needles some people have. As for me, I have seen way too many action movies to have that fear. :P Seriously though, the needle did seem a bit big, but after it's inserted, it's not much of a discomfort. This is what a needle-phobic guy had to say after he donated: https://www.facebook.com/notes/bloodconnect/if-you-feel-that-you-are-brave-enough-pls-stop-being-afraid-of-needles/244532035563259 

The feeling after donation, wasn't just good mentally, but physically too. I had a feeling of lightness; perhaps, similar to the feeling after a fast. As, for the reasons to donate, the basic ones are obvious. It's a good thing to do, with a direct impact. And what's more? It's not a big deal to do it! :) God forbid, someday, even you or someone you care for, might need it. And of course, through this post I hope to convince more people donate. The shortage of blood units in India is a well documented issue. I would love to write a more elaborate post on the reasons to donate. That would be for some other time maybe.

More relevant links: