State observes World Blood Donor Day

IMPHAL, June 14: Like in other parts of the world, the state also observed the World Blood Donor Day 2012 on the theme “Every Blood Donor is a Hero” at the Indoor Hall of GP Women’s College here jointly organized by Manipur State Aids Society (MACS) and State Blood Transfusion Council, Manipur.

P Vaiphei (IAS), Commissioner (Cooperation), government of Manipur, Dr Shailesh Kumar Chouraisa (IAS), Project Director, MACS, Dr S Sekharjit, Director, RIMS, Dr W Gopimohon, Medical Superintendent, JNIMS and Y Chandrasakhi Devi, Principal, GP Women’s College, Imphal attended the function as chief guest, president and guests of honour respectively.

Prof and Head of Department of IHBT, RIMS, Dr A Meina while giving his keynote address said that the World Blood Donor Day is held to thank especially all the voluntary blood donors and raise awareness on the need of donating more blood and promoting a safe and healthy life.

The theme of this year’s World Blood donor Day signifies that everyone can become a hero by donating blood, Meina added.

He said the main objective of the observation is to thank and reinforce the blood donors, inspire those who do not want to donate blood, encourage the blood service staff and persuade ministries of health.
He also said that in a conflict area like Manipur, there is a need of keeping adequate blood stock in all the blood banks as it is very much necessary.

P Vaiphei said the day is observed in favour of those who voluntarily donate their blood, while adding that the supply of blood for medical purpose is a must.

The neighbouring country China has 100 per cent voluntary blood donors whereas India has more professional blood donors but the number of voluntary blood donors is very low, Vaiphei noted.
He underscored the need to fall into the habit of blood donation in order to have a stock pile of safe blood that can be easily available when needed.

At the meant time, Dr Shailesh Kumar said anybody can become a blood donor any time and that there is no harm in donating blood.

He also acknowledged all the blood donors, including physically challenged Waikhom Monalisa who has remarkably donated blood as much as sixteen times.

As a part of the World Blood Donor Day, a rally was also organized in which hundreds of students from different schools took part. The rally which started from Maharaja Bhodchandra College , Palace Compound culminated at GP Women’s College where they joined the function.

Later, 14 individuals who have donated more than 30 times and nine NGOS were felicitated by the organizers of World Blood Donor Day.