FMBA Russia’s Blood Service Organizes First Donation Drive at Indian Embassy

On June 16, 2025, in Moscow, the Blood Service of the Federal Medical-Biological Agency (FMBA) of Russia held a mobile blood donation drive at the Embassy of the Republic of India in the Russian Federation.

This event was part of a series of initiatives dedicated to World Blood Donor Day, celebrated annually on June 14.

"The first blood donation drive at the Indian Embassy is an important step toward fostering a sustainable donor culture not only in Russia but also among foreign communities, highlighting how joint efforts can yield fruitful results and save lives. We hope such initiatives will continue in the future, strengthening ties and mutual understanding between nations," commented Olga Eikhler, Head of the Blood Service and Extreme Medicine Department at FMBA Russia.

The event received active support from the diplomatic mission’s staff and Indian citizens residing in Russia. The mobile blood drive was officially launched by His Excellency Vinay Kumar, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of India to the Russian Federation, a long-time blood donor himself:

"I have been donating blood for many years, both in India and in Russia. I consider donation not just a personal tradition but also an important mission. I fully understand its value in saving human lives. The Embassy staff and our compatriots in Russia unanimously support this noble initiative. I thank the FMBA Blood Service for supporting this campaign. Such joint efforts with Russian partners not only strengthen humanitarian ties between our countries but also vividly demonstrate the power of international solidarity in helping those in need."

Though this was the first such event at the Embassy, it attracted a significant number of participants: about 30 Indian citizens became donors that day, contributing nearly 10 liters of blood. Many donors had previously participated in donation programs in their home country and continued this important tradition in Russia.

Both experienced donors and newcomers took part, with seasoned donors encouraging first-timers. This created a positive atmosphere and helped expand the reach of donation efforts. The FMBA Blood Service continues to actively promote this cause by organizing similar mobile campaigns and engaging young people and new participants in donation.

Reference:

According to Clause 1, Article 12 of the Federal Law No. 125-FZ of July 20, 2012, "On Blood Donation and Its Components", a donor may be any legally capable individual who is either a citizen of the Russian Federation or a foreign national (or stateless person) who has been lawfully residing in the Russian Federation for at least one year. The individual must be at least 18 years old or have obtained full legal capacity before the age of 18 in accordance with Russian law. The person must voluntarily express the intention to donate blood and/or its components, undergo a voluntary medical examination, and have no medical contraindications to donation.

Lawful residence in Russia includes holding a residence permit or a temporary residence permit for at least one year.

It is important to note that foreign donors are subject to the same requirements as Russian citizens. These include screening for contraindications to blood donation, mandatory testing for infections and other diseases, as well as checking for possible contact with infectious diseases at the donor’s place of registration or residence.