About 20-25% of voluntary blood donors are deferred at Prathama voluntary blood donation drives for lower hemoglobin count i.e., less than 12.5. This is indication of low iron levels in body. Anemia is a silent disease creeping into our modern lifestyle and can have damaging effect.

Prathama has arranged free consultation to all blood donors who are deferred for anemia. Around 60 clinicians in Ahmedabad consented to give free health consultation to regular blood donors of Prathama. A blood donor can access the 'Doctor's Directory' from Prathama and visit them at any time.

They just have to carry the "Blood Donor Booklet" along with them and present it to the visiting doctor to get free consultation.

On WBDD 14th June 2009, Prathama has launched iron pills distribution program to all deferred donors. About 200 deferred blood donors are given iron pills on this day and asked to consult the doctor.

One pill a day for some time could replenish the iron levels of the body as excess of iron is also not good for the body. It is observed that among vegetarians the dietary iron intake remains low compared to non-vegetarians. Hence they should take special care about their food and eat iron rich foods like spinach, radish as part of their regular diet. Literature on improving food habits also distributed to voluntary blood donors.