Every 2 seconds someone in India needs blood. A single donation can help save up to 3 lives.
People on certain medications, with uncontrolled blood pressure, recent major surgery, recent tattoo/piercing (wait ~6 months), or certain chronic infections should check with the blood bank before donating — a quick health screening happens at every donation camp regardless.
The whole process takes about 30–45 minutes; the actual blood draw is only 8–10 minutes. You'll get a quick health check, donate about 350–450 ml, and rest with a snack afterward. Most people feel completely normal within a day.
| Blood Group | Can donate to | Can receive from |
|---|---|---|
| O− | All groups (universal donor) | O− only |
| O+ | O+, A+, B+, AB+ | O+, O− |
| A+ | A+, AB+ | A+, A−, O+, O− |
| B+ | B+, AB+ | B+, B−, O+, O− |
| AB+ | AB+ only | All groups (universal recipient) |
| AB− | AB+, AB− | AB−, A−, B−, O− |
Government hospitals, Red Cross blood banks, and many private hospitals accept walk-in donors. Check eRaktKosh (the national blood bank portal) to find blood banks and camps near you, or check current stock availability.
Call your nearest blood bank directly, check eRaktKosh for real-time stock, or reach out to local Rotary/Lions Club and Red Cross chapters — many run active voluntary donor networks.
Eligibility criteria may vary slightly between blood banks. Always get screened at the donation site before donating.