Blood Donors Day

A voluntary blood donor donating blood on the occasion of World Blood Donor Day at U Soso Tham Auditorium premises on 14.06.2017

By Our Reporter

SHILLONG, JUNE 14: Along with rest of the world, the Meghalaya State Blood Transfusion Council in collaboration with the Meghalaya AIDS Control Society and all the Licensed Blood Banks, Meghalaya observed the World Blood Donor Day at U Soso Tham Auditorium, Shillong on 14^th June, 2017 under the theme “What can you do?” and slogan “Give blood, Give now, Give often”

Additional Chief Secretary & President, Meghalaya State Blood Transfusion Council, Shri Y. Tsering graced the function as Chief Guest.

Addressing the gathering, Shri Y. Tsering said that a noble deed by a blood donor can save a life of someone in need of blood. While lamenting on the shortage of blood supply, mainly due to misconception with regards to blood donation, Shri Tsering said that there is a need for a wider public awareness among the masses on the advantages of blood donation and also for a committed, year-round blood donation so as to maintain adequate supplies and self sufficiency of blood.

During the programme, the Chief Guest also felicitated the Regular Voluntary Blood Donors.

Earlier, Dr. (Mrs) R. Allya, Member Secretary, Meghalaya State Blood Transfusion Council, gave a power-point presentation on the “Scenario of Blood Transfusion Services in Meghalaya”.

Mission Director, NHM, Shri H. M. Shangpliang, DIG (Med), Frontier Headquarter, BSF, Shillong, Dr. A. C. Bhardwajan and Director of Health Services, Dr. R. O. Budnah were among others who was also present on the occasion.

Every year, on 14^th June, countries around the world observe the World Blood Donor Day to raise awareness on the need for safe blood and blood products and to thank the blood donors for their live-saving gifts of blood. This year’s campaign will focus on blood donation in emergencies. Blood transfusion is an essential component of emergency health care. Emergencies increase the demand for blood transfusion and make its delivery challenging and complex. Adequate supply of blood during emergencies requires a well-organised blood service and this can only be ensured by engaging the entire community and a blood donor population committed to voluntary unpaid blood donation throughout the year.

During the day, a Voluntary Blood Donation camp was also organised at the premises of U Soso Tham Auditorium, Shillong.