Fortis Hospitals, Bangalore ties up with Uber; free rides for Blood Donors tomorrow

Use ‘FORTISDONOR’ code for free rides in Uber on World Blood Donors Day
Bangalore, June 13, 2017: Fortis Hospitals, Bangalore, leading multispecialty healthcare solution provider, has tied up with Uber, the ridesharing app that is redefining urban mobility across the world, on the eve of World Blood Donors Day tomorrow. In order to encourage and support the cause of blood donation, anyone, who want to donate blood, can take a free ride with Uber to travel to Fortis Hospitals situated on Bannerghatta Road and Cunningham road. By using ‘FORTISDONOR’ code, Uber aims to provide 200 free rides to riders who end their trip within the Fortis geo-fences.

Speaking about this wonderful gesture, Mr Raj Gore, Chief Operating Officer (South and West), Fortis Healthcare, said, “The country is facing an acute shortage of blood despite rising population. Moreover, apart from dengue and chikungunya, there are also disorders like sickle cell anemia, thalassemia and haemophilia that require repeated blood transfusions. We need to ensure timely access to safe and sufficient supplies of blood and blood products and good transfusion practices to meet the patients’ needs. Blood donation by 1% of the population can meet a nation’s most basic requirements for blood. Our aim is to raise awareness of the need for safe blood and blood components, and to thank blood donors for their voluntary, life-saving gift of blood.”

India is the second most populous country in the world but it faces a shortage of 3 million blood units every year. According to World Health Organization (WHO) report[i], India needs at least 12 million units of blood every year but only 9 million is collected. With awareness about the benefits of blood donation, there has been a steady rise in voluntary blood donors (VBD) in the country. From a 54.4% of total VBD in 2006-07, it helped gained 83.1% in 2011-12[ii]. With further impetus to the cause of blood donation and encouragement for VBD, the shortage of 3 million units can be made.