Jaipur: In a display of community spirit and dedication, Rajasthan has recorded an impressive 7.9 lakh units of blood donations over the past year, with 65.8% of it coming from voluntary donors, according to the latest figures from the health department. This surge in voluntary donations underscores the critical role played by dedicated individuals in supporting the state’s healthcare system.Among the committed donors is Satish Kumar Rohila, who recently marked his 91st blood donation on June 14 this year. Rohila’s journey as a donor began 24 years ago at an NCC camp in Churu, where he says he was inspired by the values he learned at Sainik School, Chittorgarh.“I was just 20 years old when I first donated blood,” Rohila recalled. “It was a pleasant experience, and I received a certificate from the CO of the 2nd Rajasthan Battalion NCC, Churu.” Over the years, he has not only donated blood, platelets, and plasma but also organised numerous blood donation camps.The state’s blood banks have been instrumental in facilitating these donations, organising 6,583 blood donation camps during the 2024-25 period, which resulted in the collection of 6.9 lakh blood units.In Jaipur alone, 2.3 lakh units were donated, with a significant portion, 86.5%, going to private blood banks.Managing director of Swasthya Kalyan Blood Bank, Anand Agrawal, emphasised the importance of voluntary donations. “Voluntary blood donations are crucial as they ensure patients in need do not have to donate blood as replacements,” he said, adding that over 82% of the blood in his blood bank is sourced from voluntary donors.The state celebrated National Voluntary Blood Donation Day on Oct 1, 2025, recognising the invaluable contributions of long-term donors like Rohila. Last month, a health department official said the state had exceeded its target during a special campaign, collecting 27,629 units of blood against a target of 25,000. Bikaner division led the way with 6,539 donors.
