I would like to share an incident that happened with me. I was in need of blood and asked if anyone could volunteer as a donor. Many people suggested that I go outside the hospital, where autorickshaw drivers are often willing to donate blood in exchange for a small amount of money or alcohol.
When I raised the concern that we cannot be sure about the health or safety of such blood, I was told that since the blood is separated into units, it should not be a problem.
However, I personally feel that this practice is both medically unsafe and ethically wrong.
Critical point about the risks involved when dealing with blood from unknown sources. It’s a great reminder of why regulated blood banks and ethical donation practices are so essential for public health and safety.
Taking blood from strangers in exchange for money or goods is unethical, unsafe and—where formal blood-transfusion systems exist—usually illegal. The World Health Organization and most national policies insist on voluntary, non-remunerated blood donation because it gives the safest supply and reduces the risk of bloodborne infections.
In India specifically, sale or trade of blood is prohibited and blood banks are regulated under the Drugs & Cosmetics Act and the National Blood Policy; blood should be collected only by licensed centres following standard screening and consent procedures.
Exchanging items or money for blood creates risks of coercion, exploitation of vulnerable people, and poor donor screening — which can endanger recipients. If the intent is to increase donation, safer approaches are recognised: organised voluntary donation drives, donor recognition (non-monetary awards), reimbursement of travel/food, and strong public education — all conducted through licensed blood services.
If this pertains to research or a clinical programme, obtain prior ethics/IRB approval and follow local laws and NBTC/NACO guidance; never procure blood informally from unknown people in exchange for goods.
It is absolutely correct to feel uneasy about it. Taking blood from strangers come with several risks such as screening for infections and matching correct blood types. From ethical point of view as well, paying people creates pressure to donate blood due to their condition. The safest way is to get blood from the blood bank.
I think it’s ethically and medically wrong to exchange blood for things. Blood donation should be voluntary and properly screened. It should not be treated as a trade as it increases safety concerns.
yes, It is ethically wrong to receive blood from strangers in exchange of money or other things. Blood collection should be done in a systematic way and reach to the blood banks. The blood we receive from blood banks undergo all kinds of tests and is safe to use. Even in emergency situations if we need to receive blood from stranger certain tests are conducted and if proved safe then only the procedure should be carried out.
I feel this is a very serious issue because blood donation should always be safe and voluntary. If people are selling blood for money or alcohol, their health may not be properly checked, and it can put patients at risk. Blood is directly linked to life, so quality and safety must come first. I agree with you that this is medically and ethically wrong. Hospitals and blood banks should promote voluntary donation and create awareness about it. Depending on unsafe sources can cause more harm than good, so strict rules are needed to avoid such practices.
This incident clearly highlights that society is not well aware of the importance of blood donation. It is essential to raise more awareness about the value of donating blood.
Blood donation is a volunteer activity and consideration the exchange of money for it is ethically wrong.
Taking blood from unknown resources and unknown people may lead to immune reactions if it is not tested and matched properly which could be medically life threatening as well.
Blood transfusion should be done vai sanitary known blood banks with volunteer donors coming and donating.