World Blood Donor Day-2018

Along with the rest of the world, Assam State AIDS Control Society (ASACS) and Assam State Blood Transfusion Council (ASBTC) observed World Blood Donor Day at Madhavdeva International Auditorium at Kalakshetra, Guwahati today (June 14, 2018). Stressing on the theme “ Be there for someone else. Give blood. Share life,” Principal Secretary to the Govt of Assam, Health & FW Department Samir Sinha, IAS, said, “ It is a big day for all of us. The blood donors are the real heroes of the society. The very act of blood donation itself is an act of solidarity, partnership, collective conscience, empathy and respect for the mankind.” He further stated there is an urgent need to carry this movement forward by every individual, community and the society. Speaking on the occasion, Joint Secretary to the Govt of Assam, Health & Family Welfare Department JM Patgiri, ACS, said, “ Blood donors are providing yeoman service to the society, and so it is our prime responsibility to encourage the donors. Blood has no religion nor caste and that’s why a person who is in need of blood never enquires whose blood he or she has taken.”

Chairman of Barak Valley Voluntary Blood Donors’ Forum Asu Pal said, “ Blood Donation movement first started in the year 1958 in Mumbai and in Barak Valley it started in 2002. There are many districts in Assam where there is no donor organizations and unless more and more donor organizations do not come forward, 100 per cent voluntary blood donation would become a distant reality. He further stated that in every blood donation camp held at district level, an official from the district administration must be present. He further requested the authorities to increase the money for organizing Voluntary Blood Donation camp. He also suggested inclusion of representatives from donor organizations in ASBTC.

HoD of Biotechnology Department, Bodoland University Dr Jatin Sarma who has donated blood 39 times said, “ Anemia is the major problem in tribal belts of Assam and therefore if in a district like Kokrajhar if a Voluntary Blood Donation Camp is organized out of 100 expected donors, 60 would be found anemic.” He further advocated that pre-marital counseling could bring down the anemic problems due to genetic disorders which happened in some foreign countries.

NHM Executive Director, Dr AC Baishya in his speech said that the only awareness to increase voluntary blood donation is mass awareness. Lt Col CRPF Ravinder Kumar in his speech saluted the donors and said that a person who donates blood becomes an inspiration for others.

Earlier, In-charge Blood Transfusion Services, Assam State AIDS Control Society, F A Alom Choudhury welcomed the participants and stressed on the significance of the day and gave a overall view of the blood donation in the state. A total of 22 voluntary blood donors were feted during the event. A blood donation camp was also organized at the venue. Blood Bank of Silchar Medical College Hospital, Blood Bank of SKK Civil Hospital, Golaghat and Blood Bank of Sivasagar Civil Hospital were adjudged as best blood banks.