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David McIntosh: Willpower and Determination in Advancing LMIC Blood Transfusion Systems
David McIntosh; Dr Arun V J/LinkedIn
Apr 22, 2026, 14:51

David McIntosh: Willpower and Determination in Advancing LMIC Blood Transfusion Systems

David McIntosh, Founder and Chair of United Plasma Action, shared Dr Arun’s post on LinkedIn:

“Doctor Arun, once again, highlighting two absolutely essential elements of LMIC blood transfusion progress

  • Willpower
  • Determination

Both are much more important than technology or machinery. The long hard struggle for global Health Equity is not about ‘innovation’.

Everything necessary has already been invented, and thoroughly proven in day-to-day practice over decades. All that’s needed is the willpower and determination to make the right things happen …. everywhere. In that context, Dr Arun’s post is excellent input for any

Service looking for a better future for itself and for patients, carers and clinicians.

More power to your elbow, sir!!”

Arun V. J., The Leader of Transfusion Medicine at Malabar Medical College, shared a post on LinkedIn:

“How Toyota Car Manufacturers Taught Me How To Run A Blood Bank?

Just people. Process. And the stubborn belief that quality is not a department — it’s a habit.

In June, I’ll be presenting at ISBT 2026, Kuala Lumpur – on how a resource – limited blood centre in southern India transformed itself

over three years using Lean and Toyota Production System principles.

No major automation. No big budget. No fancy machines.

My MBA at BITS Pilani Work Integrated Learning Programmes Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani

introduced me to Deming, TPS Toyota Motor Corporation Toyota Production System and Lean Hub, and a question:

Why are we so obsessed with buying better machines when we haven’t fixed how we work?

That question followed me back into the blood bank.

And we decided to find out what happens when you lead differently.

What changed in three years?

Optimum operation.

Staff at the centre. Humans.

Wastage held below 1 percent.

Outdoor donation camps with a door-to-needle time of 15 minutes.

Improved donor experience.

Reliable service to a 1000 plus bed hospital and multiple centres within 40 km radius.

None of that came from a machine.

It came from the people who showed up every day, asked why things broke, and refused to accept ‘that’s how it’s always been done.’

They are the real story. I’m just the one presenting it.

Grateful to International Society of Blood Transfusion (ISBT) for giving this a platform because These conversations – about

systems, process, and leading with less – don’t always find a stage at international conferences.

The fact that this one did means something.

Session: Global Blood Systems – Align, Design, Deliver 22 June 2026 | 09:15–09:30 | Room 306 | ISBT Kuala Lumpur .”

David McIntosh: Willpower and Determination in Advancing LMIC Blood Transfusion Systems

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