Kochi: What started as a small initiative by the Kerala Police has grown into a statewide success, providing a lifeline for thousands of people in need of blood. The Pol-Blood drive, launched in April 2021, has so far enabled the collection of 1,13,264 units of blood, proving crucial during emergencies and for patients undergoing treatment for chronic conditions.

As the first initiative of its kind in India, Pol-Blood is integrated with the Kerala Police’s mobile application, Pol-App. The app allows individuals seeking blood to register their request, after which the police's operations centre coordinates with blood banks and registered donors.

“People in need of blood can download the app and register on Pol-Blood. Our operation centre then coordinates with registered donors and arranges blood through banks,” a police officer explained.

Official figures show that 60,790 people had registered for blood requests by August 2025. Out of 97,788 total units requested, nearly 49,641 units were arranged through the initiative alone.

“In cases where blood is not available in banks, we mobilise donors, including police personnel, for emergency donations. A control room manages the operations, supported by the Kerala AIDS Control Society,” the officer added.

To sustain the initiative, regular blood donation camps are held within the police department as well as across government offices, private institutions and educational campuses, often in partnership with the National Service Scheme (NSS) and IT parks.

Now, the police plan to scale the initiative further by conducting blood collection drives in partnership with Kudumbashree, the Local Self-Government Department and private sector companies.

Over the past four years, 63,623 units of blood have been collected through such camps, hugely contributing to the overall success of the project. Both police personnel and citizens continue to participate actively in donations.

One of the major goals of the initiative is to prevent patients and families from being exploited by middlemen who demand large payments to arrange donors.

“With more people joining us, we can completely end such practices,” the officer said.

Awareness campaigns in private companies and colleges are also helping bring in more young volunteers for emergency donations.

“As a result, several youngsters have volunteered for blood donations. We contact them for blood donation in emergency situations,” the officer added.

PTI