National Voluntary Blood Donation Day 2026: Call to Save Lives Through Regular Blood Donation

National Voluntary Blood Donation Day (NVBDD) 2026 was organized at the Golden Jubilee Auditorium of Lady Hardinge Medical College (LHMC) in New Delhi. This year, the day was observed under the theme “A Drop of Humanity. Donate Blood. Save Life.” The event was organized by the Blood Transfusion Services Division of the Directorate General of Health Services, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, in collaboration with Lady Hardinge Medical College and its affiliated hospitals.

Dr. M. Srinivas, Member (Health) of NITI Aayog, presided over the program and inaugurated the voluntary blood donation camp. In his address, he stated that approximately 75 percent of blood collection in the country occurs through voluntary blood donation. He called upon citizens and stakeholders to donate blood regularly and spread awareness within their communities. Dr. Srinivas also emphasized that blood health awareness should be expanded to include topics such as nutrition and anemia, particularly among women and adolescent girls.

Dr. Lovenish G. Krishna, Director General of Health Services, provided information on the steps taken by the government to strengthen blood transfusion services. He mentioned the implementation of the National Blood Policy, registration and monitoring through the e-RaktKosh portal, and the strengthening of quality management processes. He specifically appealed to the youth to donate blood regularly and without remuneration.

Dr. Himani Ahluwalia, Director of Lady Hardinge Medical College, stated that her institution provides free treatment and blood transfusion support to approximately 700 registered thalassemia patients, marking it as one of the largest such services provided in government hospitals.

On this occasion, State Blood Transfusion Councils were honored based on their blood collection performance for the year 2025. In the North Eastern states, Mizoram secured first place and Sikkim second. Among Union Territories, Chandigarh ranked first and Delhi second. In the other states category, Haryana secured first place, Uttarakhand second, and Punjab third. Additionally, organizations such as Thalassemia India, All India Terapanth Yuvak Parishad, Akashvani, and the Indian Red Cross Society were also honored.

This event is part of a nationwide mega voluntary blood donation campaign running from September 17 to October 2, 2026. The primary objective of this campaign is to promote regular voluntary blood donation and strengthen the base of blood donors.