Our Correspondent
KOHIMA, JUNE 14
Joining the rest of the world, citizens of Kohima observed World Blood Donor Day on Sunday by organizing a function commemorating the occasion followed by a mass voluntary blood donation drive in the premises of the Naga Hospital Authority Kohima (NHAK).
Countries around the world celebrate World Blood Donor Day every year on June 14 and the event serves to raise awareness on the need for safe blood and blood products, and to honour blood donors for their voluntary, life-saving gifts of blood.
The theme of this year’s campaign is ‘Thank You for Saving my Life’, focusing on expressing gratitude to blood donors who save lives every day through their noble act of voluntary blood donations, and also encourage more people to donate blood voluntarily with the slogan “Give Freely, Give Often. Blood Donation Matters.’
Deputy Commissioner (DC) Kohima, Rovilatuo Mor, who graced the occasion as the chief guest talked about the importance of donating blood voluntarily to save lives. “There is no substitute for blood…. Blood is the only life element which can be obtained through donation from one human being to save another’s life,” he said.
The administration official shared his experiences in blood donation activities and cited an instance where he witnessed the difficulty of finding voluntary blood donors for a person who required blood to go through surgery after sustaining a critical injury.
“The most important factor to enhance and strengthen voluntary blood donations will be to remove the myths and superstition that are attached to it,” he stressed.
He also asserted that it is the collective responsibility of all the educated and enlightened persons to sensitize the public, particularly those in the rural areas, and remove the stigma. He called upon all to render their best and encourage voluntary blood donation so that all healthy people will come forward and be a part of the noble movement of giving blood.
Taking an exemplary step, the DC also joined the voluntary blood donation drive and donated his blood on the occasion.
It has been learnt that the official was earlier a replacement donor, and today he has become a voluntary donor.
State Blood Transfusion Council director, Dr. P Tia Jamir, who highlighted the significance of the day said that the day is dedicated to “unsung heroes” (blood donors) who save lives all around the world by giving their blood without expecting anything in return.
“This day is meant for celebration of the selfless act of voluntary blood donors and also to promote voluntary blood donation,” he stated. He said earlier there were many misconceptions about donating blood but today, understanding had increased and more donors are forthcoming.
Dr. V Khamo, the medical officer in-charge of NHAK Blood Bank, also delivered a brief talk on the importance of blood donation. She stated that blood transfusion is a life-saving procedure but blood can be obtained only through blood donation by another person. She highlighted the instances where blood is required such as accidents, childbirth, surgery, anemia, coagulation disorders, chronic renal failure and many more. Stating that any healthy person between the ages of 18-60 are eligible to donate blood, the medical officer said the act of donating blood should be encouraged as a service to community and as a social responsibility.
“Nobody knows who will require blood, when and where. A good and a regular donor base in the community is insurance for all,” Dr. Khamo asserted. She also added, “Donation of blood means a few minutes to you but a lifetime to someone else….. You don’t need to have a medical degree to save a life, just a fair degree of humanity.”
A regular voluntary blood donor, Aotoshi shared his experience as a donor on the occasion. He recalled the first time he donated his blood stating he could not help the patient financially or take away the patient’s pain but by donating his blood, he felt a deep sense of joy in knowing that he could do something to help. After that, he said, he wanted to donate again whenever possible. “Each time you donate, you are giving hope to someone to live,” he said.
