Gen Z reluctant to donate blood; KSBTC with multiple campaigns to address stock shortage in blood banks

ALAPPUZHA: With the younger generation turning their backs on blood donation, the Kerala State Blood Transfusion Council (KSBTC) is organising campaigns to find donors. KSBTC is organising several campaigns, such as 'Blood Connection through Reading' in collaboration with the Library Council; ''Jeeva Dyuthi' focused on higher secondary school; 'Jeevadhara' in collaboration with the National Service Scheme; 'Pol Blood' in collaboration with the police; 'Rudhirasena' in technical universities; and 'Life Line' focused on IT institutions.

More than 4,000 blood donation camps were held in Kerala in 2025. Of these, more than a thousand were in higher secondary schools. Although those under the age of 18 cannot donate blood, the authorities estimate that relatives, elders and teachers can be made part of the camp as organisers of the program and convey the relevance of blood donation.

Two camps a year at workplaces

• Camps are being held twice a year at workplaces to attract the younger generation to donate blood
• Discussions have been completed with the Health University to involve students in the medical and paramedical fields
• The campaign is being conducted in collaboration with more than 200 engineering colleges and nursing associations.
• Blood donors in Kerala were 6.27 lakh last year
• Blood recipients (separated into various components) were 20 lakh
• Blood donors through camps were one lakh

The stock shortage in blood banks can be resolved if camps are held continuously. Financial exploitation under the guise of blood donation can also be prevented.

- Kerala State Blood Transfusion Council officials