17.4 lakh blood components discarded in 2025 despite record collection
Available official data indicate that China and India are among the world's largest blood collection programmes. In 2025, India collected 15.71 million units of blood, while China collected 25.5 million units, according to China's National Health Commission.
India discarded 17.4 lakh blood components in 2025, despite collecting a record 1.58 crore units, data from the Rajya Sabha revealed. China and India are among the world's largest blood collection programs, with India collecting 15.71 million units and China collecting 25.5 million units in 2025. Expiry was the primary reason for discarding blood components, followed by reactive units and other operational issues.
Despite the rise in donations, wastage remains a challenge. Uttar Pradesh led in blood collection with 21.6 lakh units, while Maharashtra followed with 18.73 lakh units. Uttar Pradesh also had the highest discard rate at 2.40 lakh units. The Union Health Ministry confirmed no reports of regional blood shortages, attributing inventory management to state governments and the Centre promoting a hub-and-spoke model for blood distribution.
Blood wastage, particularly due to platelets' short shelf life, highlights a need for smarter inventory management and coordination between blood banks.
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