However, for the registry to be functional, more than one lakh donors need to be registered. People from the age group of 18-50 years are eligible for donor recruitment.
Both the organisations are reaching out to younger generation by working with colleges to create awareness of the need for a world-class registry in India for patients who have blood-related illnesses like leukemia, thalessemia, aplastic anemia and congenital immunodeficiency states.
One of the first colleges to participate in this initiative is K.J. Somaiya Institute of Engineering and IT, Sion, who conducted a marrow donation drive on their college premises along with 'Marrowthon' - a 6 k.m. run showing support for the cause.
"We are glad K.J. Somaiya has come forward. We hope that this will pave the way for more colleges and their students to come forth and register with MDRI and thus make their contribution towards saving many more lives, " said MDRI spokesperson.