In Karachi, a 16-year-old girl, “Maryam,” is fighting a battle that few people truly understand.
She suffers from Thalassemia—a chronic blood disorder that requires regular transfusions. But what makes her case even more challenging is her blood type: the extremely rare Bombay Blood Group.
Maryam needs blood transfusions twice every month to survive. However, finding compatible donors is an ongoing struggle, as her blood group is one of the rarest in the world.
Her father, “Arshad Khan,” recalls the early days of their ordeal.
“When she first fell ill, we went for routine tests. Later, we discovered it was a complex blood disorder. But the real shock came when we learned her blood group wasn’t A, B, or O—it was something far rarer.
He describes the experience as deeply challenging.
“It was a test for our family. The illness itself is difficult, but arranging compatible blood is even harder.
Over time, a few individuals with the same rare blood group were identified. Some of them now donate blood voluntarily. Still, their number remains extremely limited, turning every transfusion into a difficult mission.
What Are Blood Groups and How Do They Work?
To better understand cases like Maryam’s, experts explain that blood types are determined through two main systems: the ABO Blood Group System and the Rh Factor.
These classifications depend on specific proteins, known as antigens, present on the surface of red blood cells.
According to hematology expert Dr. Saqib Ansari:
The ABO system includes four main types: A, B, AB, and O
The Rh factor determines whether blood is positive or negative
Around 5–7% of people in Pakistan have Rh-negative blood, which is relatively rare
Antigens on red blood cells and antibodies in plasma work together as part of the body’s immune defense system. This is why matching blood groups correctly during transfusion is critical.
Why Compatibility Matters
Dr. Ansari explains that each blood group can only receive specific types:
A can receive A
B can receive B
O can only receive O
O is often called a universal donor—but not for all cases
Importantly, even O-type blood cannot be given to individuals with the Bombay blood group.
“People with the Bombay blood group can only receive blood from someone with the same group,” he says.
A mismatch can trigger a severe immune reaction, where the body attacks the transfused blood—sometimes with fatal consequences.
What Is the Bombay Blood Group?
The Bombay Blood Group is an extremely rare blood type characterized by the absence of the H antigen—the basic structure found in all common blood groups.
In simple terms:
Even O blood lacks compatibility
The body produces antibodies against O blood as well
Only Bombay group blood is safe for transfusion
This rare group was first discovered in 1952 in Mumbai (formerly Bombay) by Dr. Y. M. Bhende—which is why it carries the city’s name.
Modern Solutions: Still Limited in Pakistan
In developed countries, rare blood types are preserved using advanced storage methods such as the Autologous Blood Transfusion technique.
In this process:
A patient’s own blood is collected and stored at extremely low temperatures (around -80°C)
It can later be used during surgeries or emergencies
Patients are also given iron and vitamin B12 supplements to restore blood levels after donation.
However, such advanced facilities are still limited in Pakistan, making treatment more difficult for rare cases like Maryam’s.
Why Blood Donation Remains a Challenge
Pakistan requires an estimated 2.5 to 3 million blood donations annually, but only about half of that demand is met.
According to experts:
Around 100,000 children in Pakistan suffer from thalassemia
These patients alone require nearly 1.8 million blood units every year
Additional demand comes from accidents, surgeries, and childbirth complications
Blood shortages become even more severe during Ramadan, when many people avoid donating due to misconceptions about fasting and weakness.
A Message That Can Save Lives
Maryam’s story reflects the silent struggle of thousands of patients across Pakistan.
A single act of donation can mean survival for someone fighting a lifelong disease.
Experts urge citizens to come forward and donate blood regularly—especially for rare groups—because every drop counts, and every donor can be a lifeline.