The key challenge in blood transfusion services is finding suitable blood for patients. To address this, the Kerala Blood Transfusion Council has launched the Rare Blood Donor Registry, aiming to identify rare blood donors. The registry was unveiled at the National Blood Transfusion Services Conclave in Kochi, attended by representatives from all states. The Director of the Central Blood Transfusion Services confirmed that the Kerala model of the Rare Blood Donor Registry will be expanded nationwide.

Expanding the registry to benefit more patients
Health Minister Veena George announced that the registry would be expanded by including more blood donors. The registry was created after screening numerous antigens in rare blood donors. Minister George assured that the registry’s services would soon be available throughout the state. She added that primary information about the registry would be disseminated to the medical community and the public to benefit more patients.

Collaborative effort across four districts
The project was completed with the collaboration of medical colleges in Thiruvananthapuram, Kottayam, Thrissur, and Kozhikode. The Kerala State Blood Transfusion Council selected the Thiruvananthapuram Government Medical College Blood Bank as the state nodal centre. 

Around Rs 2 crore was allocated for the development of various blood transfusion projects. To date, approximately 3,000 rare blood donors have been registered. Samples were collected from voluntary blood donors in these four regions, and 18 antigens were examined.

A lifesaving solution 
Certain patients, such as those suffering from thalassemia, sickle cell anaemia, kidney disease, cancer, and even pregnant women, may develop antibodies that make it difficult for them to find compatible blood. When these patients are unable to receive suitable blood, the Rare Blood Donor Registry will help identify compatible donors to save lives by providing timely transfusions.

National recognition 
The innovative and relevant efforts of the Rare Blood Donor Registry team in the field of blood transfusion services were recognised by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.