Tamil Nadu government asks hospitals to use Facebook’s blood donation feature

• October 1 is National Blood Donor Day.
• Facebook had launched the Blood Donation feature two years ago in India.
• Through the feature, Facebook users can sign up as blood donors.

The Tamil Nadu government has directed hospitals and blood banks to use Facebook’s blood donation feature.

“One of the biggest reasons for blood shortage is the lack of access and appropriate know-how among potential donors. Blood Donation feature on Facebook can also be one of the fastest and seamless ways, to let donors know of critical blood needs in their areas,” said Dr C Vijaya Baskar, Minister for Health and Family Welfare of the state.

October 1 is National Blood Donor Day and Facebook had launched the Blood Donation feature two years back in India.

“Our research suggests that when people have better information and tools, they’re more willing to donate blood — and it’s easier for people who need blood to find donors,” Facebook said during the launch.

Followed by its India launch, the feature was introduced in the USA, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Brazil. Through the feature, Facebook users can sign up as blood donors. They will receive notifications when blood banks in their area post about blood requirements.

“In the two years since its launch, over 22 million people in India have registered as blood donors on Facebook. We are also continuously working with our partners across the spectrum to help the blood donation feature, to be accessible for a growing number of blood donors in India,” said Manish Chopra, Director and Head of Partnerships, Facebook India.