Finding blood quickly in an emergency can save a life. e-RaktKosh is a national online system of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare that connects blood banks across India. Here is how to use it.
What is e-RaktKosh
e-RaktKosh is a portal and mobile app that manages blood bank data. Blood centres that are connected update their stock, so citizens can check availability of different blood groups and components in real time. It was developed under the National Health Mission with C-DAC.
How to check blood availability
- Visit the e-RaktKosh website or download the app.
- Choose Blood Availability.
- Select your state and district.
- Choose the blood group and component, such as whole blood, packed red cells, platelets or plasma.
- Search to see nearby blood centres with stock, along with their addresses and phone numbers.
Call the blood centre before going, as stock changes quickly. A hospital requisition form signed by a doctor is usually needed to get blood.
Find blood banks and camps
The portal lists licensed blood centres and upcoming voluntary blood donation camps in your area, so you can plan a donation.
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Register as a donor
You can register as a voluntary donor on e-RaktKosh by giving your name, blood group, contact details and location. Blood centres may contact registered donors when blood is needed.
Who can donate blood
General eligibility under national guidelines includes:
- Age between 18 and 65 years
- Weight of at least 45 kg for a standard donation, with higher weight needed for some bag sizes
- Haemoglobin of at least 12.5 g/dL
- Good general health on the day of donation
- A gap of at least three months between whole blood donations for men and four months for women
Doctors at the blood centre check each donor before donation.
Who should not donate
People with certain infections, recent major illness or surgery, pregnancy or breastfeeding, and some medicines may need to wait or may not be allowed to donate. Follow the advice of the doctor at the centre.
Myths about blood donation
- Donating blood does not make you weak for long. The body replaces the fluid within a day and red cells within weeks.
- The needle and bag are sterile and used only once, so there is no risk of infection to the donor.
Important days
India observes National Voluntary Blood Donation Day on 1 October. World Blood Donor Day is on 14 June.
Bottom line
Use e-RaktKosh to find blood quickly, and register as a voluntary donor to help others in need.
Source / स्रोत: e-RaktKosh, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, National Blood Transfusion Council
