India observed National Voluntary Blood Donation Day on 1 October with a renewed call for healthy and eligible people to donate regularly and help maintain a safe, adequate supply of blood and blood components.
The national program was organised in New Delhi by the Blood Transfusion Services Division of the Directorate General of Health Services with Lady Hardinge Medical College and associated hospitals. The 2026 theme is “One Drop of Humanity. Give Blood. Save Lives.”
Health officials highlighted the role of donated blood in surgery, trauma care, severe anaemia, cancer treatment, blood disorders and maternal care. They also urged organisations and younger adults to support year-round awareness rather than treating donation as a one-day activity.
The government's nationwide voluntary blood donation campaign is continuing through 2 October, with states, union territories, blood centres and community organisations participating in local donation and mobilisation activities.
Source: Press Information Bureau, Government of India.
Image disclosure: This is an AI-generated editorial illustration featuring fictional donors and healthcare workers. It is not a photograph of the official ceremony or a specific donation centre.
