Ranchi: Concerns over the possible privatization of Jharkhand’s blood donation system triggered a protest in the state capital on Monday, as members of “Lahoo Bolega” blood donation group and the Jharkhand Thalassemia Patients Association organized a symbolic human chain at Albert Ekka Chowk.
A large number of blood donors, volunteers, patients suffering from thalassemia and sickle cell anemia along with their families, social activists, human rights advocates, and representatives of various organizations participated in the demonstration.
The protesters termed the reported move to hand over the blood donation system to private agencies as “anti-people” and demanded that the government withdraw any such proposal. Holding placards, they raised slogans such as “Blood donation is service, not business” and “Strengthen the government system, do not privatize it.”
The demonstrators urged the government to reinforce the existing public framework, particularly the Jharkhand State AIDS Control Society (JACS), and to implement the assurances made by the State Health Minister during the Assembly session on December 9, 2025.
Speakers at the protest alleged that the blood donation system has been affected by inconsistent administrative decisions, including sudden closure of blood banks, discontinuation of donor cards, lack of proper review meetings, and delays in procurement of essential resources.
They also expressed concern that privatization could further worsen access to blood for patients suffering from chronic conditions such as thalassemia and sickle cell anemia, who already face difficulties in securing timely donations.
Among the key demands raised were removal of 18% GST on blood bags, provision of subsidies on blood processing charges for community-run and Red Cross blood banks, and making the existing government mechanism more accountable and efficient.
Prominent participants in the human chain included Nadeem Khan, Taramani Sahu, Abhijeet Dutta, Sanjay Toppo, Ranjit Sahu, Pandit Ajit Mishra, Abhijeet Bhattacharya, Pawel Kumar, Suranjan Bara, Devki Devi, Sujata Kumari, Sabita Kumari, Afzal Anish, Ziaul Islam, Rajendra Munda, Seema Devi, Sonam Kumari, Pragati Prakash, Barkha Lily Bara, Babbar, Asfar Khan, Mojahid, Shams Tabrez, Sangeeta Kumari, Bimla Kachhap, Ayush Mishra, Sajid Umar, and Md. Javed, among others.
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