Correspondence to Author: Vani Malhotra, Parveen Malhotra, Harman Singh, Avani Sharma, Sandeep Kumar, Abhishek Yadav, Bibin CF, Anuj Sharma, Pranav Malhotra, Rahul Siwach. 

Department of Medical Gastroenterology and Obstetrics & Gynaecology, PGIMS, Rohtak and VMMC & Safdarjung Medical College, New Delhi.

DOI: 10.52338/jjogastro.2026.5356

Abstract:

Introduction: Healthcare workers (HCWs) are crucial for voluntary blood donation (VBD) due to their medical knowledge, often higher altruistic attitudes, and proximity to facilities but studies show a gap between positive knowledge/attitudes and actual practice, highlighting the need for better motivation through education, incentives (like paid leave/recognition), and accessible donation drives to leverage their potential for a safer, more stable blood supply. VBD is key for blood safety globally, reducing transfusion-transmitted infections, with WHO encouraging 100% voluntary systems, and HCWs as a prime recruitment pool. The challenges in HCWs voluntary donation is despite knowing that donation is good but don't donate regularly. Sometimes, busy work schedules act as a barrier and some lack detailed knowledge on donation frequency or minimum requirements. The World Health Organization (WHO) promotes 100% voluntary, non-remunerated donation as the safest model.
Aim of Study: HTo study habit of blood donation in health care workers at tertiary care center.
Materials & Methods: It was prospective study conducted at Department of Medical Gastroenterology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences (PGIMS), Rohtak, over a period of one year from 1st December, 2024 to 30th November, 2025 during which every health care worker, including doctors MBBS, Dental, Physiotherapy, Pharmacy students, nursing officers, operating technicians, bearers, data operators who reported in Medical Gastroenterology OPD as patient or as attendant were interviewed regarding their number of blood donations, if not done, then reasons for the same, any apprehensions associated with blood donation. Everyone was explained about benefits of blood donation for them as well as recipients and were motivated for blood donation in future. In total 1000 health care workers belonging to different streams were interviewed.
Observation & Results: Out of total 1000 health care workers who were interviewed, 250 (25%) had donated blood at least once in life. The number blood donation varied from 0-6 times. In a study pool of 1000 HCW, 300 (30%) were doctors belonging to different streams like Medical & Dental and included MBBS, Dental students, Junior & Senior residents, Interns and Consultants. The nursing officers including nursing students constituted 20% (200) of study pool. Physiotherapy students which included both Bachelor and Master course had significant representation i.e. 230 (23%). Pharmacy students, O.T. technicians, Bearers, Clerical staff constituted 100 (10%), 70 (7%), 50 (5%) and 50 (5%), respectively. Out of total 250 HCW who were blood donors, maximum were doctors i.e. 112 (44.8%).
Conclusion: There is strong need of increasing awareness among health care workers about voluntary blood donations, as there are many myths associated with blood donation, despite being part of health care system.

Keywords: Blood Donation, Doctors, Nursing officers, Operative technicians, Students, Pharmacy .

Citation:

Dr. Parveen Malhotra, Voluntary Blood Donation Among Health Care Workers at Tertiary Care Center of Northeren India. Japanese Journal of Gastroenterology 2026.