Why in NEWS
The Union Health Ministry is integrating the Rare Donor Registry of India (RDRI) with the e-Rakt Kosh platform to ensure real-time access to rare blood types and improve coordination among blood banks nationwide.
Key Concepts & Definitions
| Term | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Rare Donor Registry | National database of rare blood group donors |
| e-Rakt Kosh | Centralized digital platform for blood bank management |
| Alloimmunisation | Immune response triggered by transfused, unmatched blood |
| Bombay Blood Group | A rare blood type lacking A, B, and H antigens |
| Rh-null | Extremely rare blood type lacking all Rh antigens |
What is Rare Donor Registry of India (RDRI)?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Developed by | ICMR–NIIH with support from top Indian medical institutions |
| Purpose | Helps patients with rare blood types get matched transfusions |
| Target Conditions | Thalassemia, sickle cell disease, and other rare genetic disorders |
| Coverage | Over 4,000 rare donors screened for 300+ rare antigens |
| Importance | Prevents alloimmunisation and improves outcomes in complex transfusions |
What is e-Rakt Kosh?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Developed by | Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (CDAC) |
| Under | National Health Mission |
| Functionality | Real-time tracking of blood units, availability, and donation drives |
| Role | Connects donors, blood banks, and hospitals for safe and timely transfusions |
What is Blood and Why It Matters
| Component | Function |
|---|---|
| Red Blood Cells (RBCs) | Carry oxygen throughout the body |
| White Blood Cells | Fight infections and aid immune responses |
| Platelets | Help in blood clotting and wound healing |
| Plasma | Transports proteins, nutrients, hormones, and waste |
| Blood Types | A, B, AB, O; based on presence of A/B antigens on RBC surface |
Significance of Integration
| Impact Area | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Accessibility | Rare blood groups like Bombay and Rh-null available in real time |
| Coordination | Better nationwide linkage of blood banks and faster mobilization |
| Patient Safety | Ensures accurate matching, reducing risks of adverse reactions |
| Data Integration | Builds a single source for blood availability and rare donor mapping |
In a nutshell
Memory Code: “RARE: Registry Access Reinforces Emergency care”
- Registry for rare blood types
- Access in real time via e-Rakt Kosh
- Reduces alloimmunisation risk
- Ensures safe emergency transfusions
Prelims Practice Questions
- What is the main purpose of the Rare Donor Registry of India?
A. To collect data on thalassemia patients
B. To promote voluntary blood donation
C. To identify and store rare blood group donors
D. To regulate organ transplants in India - Which of the following blood types is considered extremely rare?
A. O+
B. AB-
C. Rh-null
D. B+ - e-Rakt Kosh has been developed under which government initiative?
A. Ayushman Bharat
B. National Health Mission
C. Swachh Bharat Mission
D. Digital India
Prelims Answers Table
| Q No. | Answer | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | C | RDRI is a database of rare blood donors for matched transfusion |
| 2 | C | Rh-null is one of the rarest blood groups in the world |
| 3 | B | e-Rakt Kosh was launched under the National Health Mission |
