Gyan Chand Jain, 58, affectionately known as Billoo Ji, is Assam’s most prolific blood donor, having donated blood 114 times over nearly 3 decades. A humble oil depot worker from Bongaigaon, he crossed the 100-donation milestone during the pandemic, earning admiration across the state.
The Assam State Blood Transfusion Council recognises him as a Resource Person, and he travels across the district to train and inspire others. His unwavering commitment and grassroots advocacy have made him a respected figure in India’s blood safety movement.
Blood donations are an incredibly important part of India’s Blood Transfusion Service, where safe blood supports critical interventions in trauma care, surgeries, maternal health, and chronic disease management. The availability of safe blood is a critical public health priority to improve patient safety and reduce transfusion-related risks. It is a major part of a health system and providing accessible and quality-assured services is a significant step on the path to achieving universal health coverage (UHC).
Advancing blood safety and quality assurance
Over the past 3 decades, the Blood Transfusion Service in India has evolved into a nationally regulated, technology-enabled, and policy-driven system. This transformation has been led by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, and guided by the Directorate General of Health Services, Blood Transfusion Services Division, and the National Blood Transfusion Council.
WHO’s India Country Office, with support from the UHC Partnership, has played a central role in advancing blood safety and quality assurance through sustained technical collaboration and policy support for strengthening the blood safety and transfusion systems in India.
“Ensuring access to safe blood is not just a technical goal, it is a moral and public health responsibility. Every unit of blood donated voluntarily represents a step toward equity in healthcare. Through policy reforms, digital integration, and community engagement, we are building a blood system that is ethical, efficient, and responsive to the needs of every citizen. Our commitment is to make safe blood universally available, especially in underserved regions,” said Sunita Sharma, Director General, Directorate General of Health Services, Ministry of Health and Family.
Public participation to improve blood services
India’s annual blood collection increased from 12.6 million units in 2023 to 14.6 million units in 2024, with further growth expected in 2025. Voluntary blood donation accounted for 74.55% of total collections, reflecting strong public participation and the impact of effective awareness campaigns.
/special-programme-on-primary-health-care-(phc)/country-impact-(ciu)/main-story-blood-donation---credit-sbtc-assam.jpg?sfvrsn=b80a5dda_3 "A blood donor in Mizoram, India")
A blood donor in Mizoram, India © State Blood Transfusion Council, Mizoram
With support from WHO, major advocacy events, such as World Blood Donor Day and National Voluntary Blood Donation Day, raise public awareness and reinforce the importance of voluntary, non-remunerated blood donation. However, the efforts go beyond annual campaigns to embedding blood donations within cultural and social life.
“India’s blood services have come a long way. From manual registers to real-time digital platforms, the transformation reflects our commitment to modernizing infrastructure and improving service delivery. Voluntary donation is no longer just a campaign, it is a culture we are nurturing across communities. Our focus remains on strengthening quality assurance, empowering blood centres, and ensuring that every unit of blood reaches those who need it most, safely and efficiently,” said Dr Krishan Kumar, Director, National Blood Transfusion Council.
Blood donor motivators work across India to encourage the public to donate donations, and many actively advocate to strengthen the system of the network across 1 131 centres.
Every link in the chain matters
WHO’s initiatives align with India's health priorities, promoting stakeholder engagement, state-level advocacy, and enhancing sustainable blood safety systems. These efforts ensure safer transfusion practices, improved clinical outcomes, and enhanced public trust in healthcare systems.
In partnership with the Directorate General of Health Services, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, WHO’s India Country Office has contributed to the development of national standards, operational frameworks, and regulatory guidance that have strengthened the foundation of India’s Blood Transfusion Services.
"In India, the strides made in blood services are a testament to what can be accomplished when national leadership, scientific rigor, and community spirit converge. From the quiet generosity of voluntary donors to the tireless efforts of health workers and policymakers, every link in the chain matters. WHO is honoured to support this journey, not only through technical guidance but by standing with India in its pursuit of health for all," said Ms Payden, Ag WHO Representative to India, WHO India Country Office, New Delhi.
The UHC Partnership operates in over 125 countries, representing over 3 billion people. It is supported and funded by Belgium, Canada, the European Union, France, Germany, Ireland, Luxembourg, Japan, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and WHO.
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