Need blood in an emergency? Besides WhatsApp, 'e-Rakthkosh' will come in handy; here's how to find blood in a blood bank..

eRaktKosh Portal: Emergencies can strike at any time. Often, in emergency situations, there is a need for blood, and people resort to WhatsApp groups for help, appealing to others to donate blood. While WhatsApp groups sometimes provide assistance, more often than not, there are delays because it takes time to convince people to donate blood and then for them to reach the donation center. In such situations, eRaktKosh can be helpful. This is a portal that allows people to find out about the availability of blood. They can find out where blood is available in their vicinity. Let's learn about this portal and how to use it.

What is the eRaktKosh Portal?
The eRaktKosh portal was launched in 2016 by the then Health Minister, JP Nadda. This portal provides information on blood availability across the country. Timely information makes it easier to obtain blood and can save a patient's life. This portal acts as a network between various blood banks, allowing patients to know in real-time which blood bank has which blood group available. By checking blood availability at a blood bank, users can ensure that blood will be available when they reach the blood bank.

How to check blood availability online:
Go to the eRaktKosh portal at eraktkosh.mohfw.gov.in/eraktkoshPortal/#/.
Click on 'Find Blood Availability'.
Select your location and blood group. To do this, select State > District > Blood Group.
Check the live availability. This portal provides real-time information on the stock of blood in registered blood banks.
Information can be obtained directly from the blood banks, and blood can be reserved.

Useful in times of need
This portal can help all those who need blood during difficult times. Receiving blood at the right time can save a patient's life. Blood donation can also be done through this portal. This portal can also be useful for people who donate blood. Since it is a government portal, citizens receive accurate and verified information on it.

Disclaimer: This content has been sourced and edited from Navbharat Times. While we have made modifications for clarity and presentation, the original content belongs to its respective authors and website. We do not claim ownership of the content.