Nagpur, India: Blood donation drives offering gifts to donors will now face strict penalties. The State Blood Transfusion Council (SBTC) has issued clear guidelines, warning that any blood center found distributing gifts to donors will face serious consequences.

Blood donation is a selfless act that saves lives and requires donors to be in good health. Voluntary blood donation is emphasized to ensure safety and compliance with the Drug and Cosmetic Act, Schedule ‘F,’ which mandates that all blood donations must come from voluntary donors.

Despite these regulations, some blood donation drives in both urban and rural areas openly provide gifts to donors.

In some cases, banners are prominently displayed to promote gifts as a way to attract donors. Following complaints, the SBTC held a meeting last month and made significant decisions to address this issue.

New blood banks, as well as those seeking license renewal, are now required to submit an affidavit pledging not to distribute gifts to donors or accept them from organizers.