Step 1: Know exactly what is needed
Ask the doctor or ward for the blood requisition form. It states the patient’s blood group, the component (packed red cells, platelets, fresh frozen plasma, whole blood), the number of units and the urgency. Blood banks issue blood only against this form, so keep a photo of it on your phone.
Step 2: Check live stock on e-RaktKosh
e-RaktKosh is the Ministry of Health’s centralised blood bank system. Blood banks are required to update their stock there. On the website or the e-RaktKosh app, choose your state and district, then the blood group and component, to see which blood banks currently have stock and their phone numbers. Always call before travelling — stock changes quickly.
Step 3: Call nearby blood banks
NeedKaro lists blood banks city by city:
Step 4: Arrange donors the right way
- Replacement donors: relatives or friends donate at the blood bank so the stock is replenished. Many blood banks issue blood in emergencies even before replacement — ask.
- Voluntary donors: share a clear request (patient name, hospital, blood group, component, units, attendant phone) in your workplace, college, RWA or community groups.
- Donors must go to the blood bank — blood is collected, tested and issued only by licensed blood banks, never person-to-person.
Who can donate blood?
| Check | Typical requirement |
|---|---|
| Age | About 18–65 years |
| Weight | At least 45 kg |
| Health | Feeling well; haemoglobin and blood pressure checked at the blood bank |
| Gap between donations | Usually 3 months for men and 4 months for women (whole blood) |
The blood bank doctor makes the final decision; rules for platelet/apheresis donation differ.
Red flags — avoid these
- Anyone asking for money to “arrange” blood or a donor. Selling or buying blood is not allowed.
- Unverified forwarded messages with old dates — confirm before sharing.
- Sharing patient Aadhaar or full medical records publicly; a first name and hospital ward is enough.
खून की ज़रूरत हो तो क्या करें?
डॉक्टर से ब्लड ग्रुप और कौन-सा कंपोनेंट चाहिए (जैसे प्लेटलेट्स) लिखवा लें। फिर e-RaktKosh पर अपने ज़िले के ब्लड बैंकों में स्टॉक देखें और फ़ोन करके पुष्टि करें। परिवार या दोस्तों में उसी ग्रुप के लोगों को ब्लड बैंक भेजें। खून खरीदना-बेचना गैरकानूनी है — पैसे माँगने वालों से सावधान रहें। अगर मरीज़ की हालत गंभीर है तो 108 या 112 पर कॉल करें।
FAQ — अक्सर पूछे जाने वाले सवाल
How do I find blood urgently?
Check live blood stock on the government e-RaktKosh portal or app, call the blood banks that show your group, and ask the treating hospital about replacement-donor rules. Then ask relatives, friends and colleagues of the same blood group to donate.
Khoon ki zarurat ho to kya kare?
Sabse pehle hospital ki blood bank se baat kariye, phir e-RaktKosh par blood stock dekhiye. Parivar aur doston me same blood group wale donor ko blood bank bhejiye.
Can I buy blood from a donor?
No. Selling or buying blood is not allowed in India; blood banks collect blood only from voluntary or replacement donors.
Who can donate blood?
Generally healthy adults aged 18–65 who weigh at least 45 kg and meet the blood bank's haemoglobin and health checks. The blood bank doctor makes the final decision.
Do I need a donor in exchange for blood?
Policies vary. Many government blood banks issue blood in emergencies without a replacement donor; others encourage replacement donation. Ask the blood bank directly.
Sources
- Ministry of Health & Family Welfare — e-RaktKosh centralised blood bank management system (eraktkosh.mohfw.gov.in)
- National Blood Transfusion Council / NACO — donor eligibility guidelines (nbtc.naco.gov.in)
NeedKaro is not a government service. Numbers and procedures are taken from official sources on the date above; always follow instructions from the authority you contact.