A 20-year-old man from West Bengal paused his Ramadan fast to donate blood stem cells, helping a patient in urgent need of a transplant.
Mohammad Ashraf Ali’s journey to becoming a donor began in 2022 after he came across a video on social media about blood stem cell donation. Moved by the message, he registered with DKMS Foundation India, a non-profit that works to support patients with blood cancers and blood disorders such as thalassemia and aplastic anaemia.
He did not expect to hear back. But two years later, DKMS informed him that he was a potential match for a patient.
For your daily dose of medical news and updates, visit: HEALTH
Ashraf, who has a fear of needles, also learned that the donation would take place during the month of Ramadan, requiring him to pause his fast. Despite the challenges, he chose to go ahead with the procedure.
“When I realised I could be the only match, my focus was only on the patient,” he said.
Ashraf said he saw the decision as part of doing what he believed was right. “If you can help save one life, it is important to do so,” he added.
A personal experience also influenced his decision. A close family member had previously faced a serious health condition, which made him more aware of how critical timely medical support can be. With the support of his mother, he discussed the decision with his family before proceeding with the donation.
He later underwent the procedure and donated blood stem cells.
Health experts say stories like Ashraf’s highlight a wider challenge in India. According to DKMS Foundation India, only about 30 per cent of patients with blood cancers or blood disorders find a matching donor within their families. The remaining 70 per cent depend on unrelated donors.
However, only around 0.09 per cent of India’s eligible population is currently registered as potential blood stem cell donors, significantly limiting the chances of finding matches for patients in need.
Patrick Paul, executive chairman of DKMS India, said increasing awareness and registrations are crucial to improving outcomes for patients requiring transplants.
Individuals between the ages of 18 and 55, in general good health and not already registered, are eligible to sign up as potential blood stem cell donors.