An app to find your perfect (blood) match

It’s like Tinder for blood requirements — not only does it search for particular blood types, it also lists all matching donors within 10 km

Representation pic courtesy/Bloodman

Finding your ‘type’ has never been easier, thanks to a new app that helps in searching for blood donors and recipients in your area.

The app, called Bloodman, simplifies the search for blood in two ways — firstly, the app lets you search for a particular blood type. Secondly, it will list all matches for the blood type within a 10-km radius. Think of it as Tinder for your blood requirements.

The revolutionary mobile application was launched just last month, and it already has 70 subscribers and counting in Mumbai.

Click for blood
“In our survey, we observed that in there is a sizeable population ready to give and take, but there is no proper mechanism to facilitate the process. Through this app, people can find blood in a click,” explained one of the founders, Anshumali S from Baroda.

“We have full-time professionals dedicated to solving this blood crisis. By using the power of social media, brand tie-ups and latest features integrated in our app, we will make it easier to solve this demand and supply problem,” he said.

“There are many databases with local self-help groups and blood banks. Our vision is to connect them all with this emergency mobile app,” added Anshumali.

But how far can such an app go in resolving the blood shortage? Experts are sceptical.

Arun Kejriwal, an activist who organises blood donation camps in Mumbai frequently, said, “Apps like these are always welcome and I appreciate the effort, but in my experience, people only like to take, not give.”

Just a gimmick?
“Before downloading the app, please ask yourself — have you donated blood? This is no factory. Only if the number of donors exceeds the number of receivers, will it be a successful app. Otherwise, it won’t be any different from the government schemes that claim to provide blood instantly, but don’t,” added Kejriwal.

Vinay Shetty from Think Foundation, which also organises blood donation camps, said, “In a genuine emergency, will you open an app and arrange for blood? If you call 100 donors on that list in the app, 90 of them will not have donated blood in the past year. People need to be pushed to donate more, rather than depending on apps like these.”

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