Call to donate life-saving blood marks ‘World Blood Donor Day’

Our Correspondent/ Reporter
Dimapur, June 14 (EMN): Nagaland observed World Blood Donor Day on June 14 by organising blood donation camps and other activities on the theme ‘Donating blood is an act of solidarity, join the effort and save lives.’

‘World Blood Donor Day’ is observed every year on June 14 to promote awareness about the need for blood donation and thank voluntary, unpaid blood donors for their life-saving gifts of blood. The day aims to promote regular blood donations to ensure that all individuals have access to affordable and timely supplies of safe blood in times of emergency needs.

Kohima: Voluntary Blood Donors’ Association Kohima (VBDAK) observed the ‘World Blood Donor’s Day’ and launched its website by the joint CEO of  Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA), Johnny Ruangmei, during a programme held at the conference hall of Red Cross Society Building in Kohima. The website, developed by NK Square, could be accessed at https://nagalandblooddonors.com/VBD/home.

Speaking on the occasion, Ruangmei has sought for introspection on solidarity to bring about healing in the society which is characterised by ‘ism.’ He exuded hope that the act of donating blood in the form of solidarity could create and build a peaceful environment in the society.

Stating that blood donation could be written in two words on how we ‘respond’ and the ‘challenges,’ he viewed that launch of the website would enable smarter response to the need of blood and better access for the people- golden hour of life saving.

Delivering the keynote address, general secretary of Indian Red Cross Nagaland Branch (IRCSN), Dr. Neiphi Kire, commended the works of VBDAK and stressed on the need to raise awareness on the need of safe blood and blood products for transfusion. He pointed out that despite all development and modern scientific advancement in medical science, an artificial blood cannot be prepared in a laboratory, factory or institution but has to come from the human body through blood donation. He also asserted the need to educate and create awareness among the people to make blood available anytime.

Dr. Kire also appealed to the government to support noble organisations such as blood donor organisations in strengthening and expanding their efforts to promote voluntary blood donations in the state to make giving of blood an essential service of the everyday healthcare system.

VBDAK chairman, Bendang Imsong, spoke on the significance of the day and urged the government to be more active to support blood donation in the state. Bendang also mentioned that VBDA Kohima had celebrated 10th anniversary on October 1, 2021.

Dr. Avila Sangtam, medical officer of blood bank at Naga Hospital Authority Kohima (NHAK) tendered words of gratitude to the VBDAK for the noble cause and the vote of thanks was delivered by Meghraj Lama, VBDAK general secretary.

A total of 40 persons including 33 personnel from the 78 battalion CRPF donated blood on the occasion.

Dimapur: Blood Bank of District Hospital Dimapur observed ‘World Blood Donors Day-cum-Hemophilia awareness’ at the conference hall of the District Hospital, Dimapur.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Temsu, in-charge of the blood bank, informed that a total of 50 donors from various organisations have donated blood at District Hospital Dimapur during the programme.

While introducing the Hemophilia Society Nagaland Chapter, its president, Rhon Ezung, stated that most people in Nagaland are unaware of Hemophilia’s medical condition. He informed that it takes more than a week to obtain a Hemophilia diagnosis report as it is done in other states.

While pointing out that many patients in Nagaland have Hemophilia medical conditions, he stated that they have not been identified and registered with the society due to a lack of awareness, medical support, and care facilities.

He stated that Hemophilia Society Nagaland Chapter is making every effort to identify and register all haemophiliacs through print and social media campaigns, leaflet distribution and other means, so as to ensure that no Hemophiliac patients become disabled or die due to lack of ‘factor injection’ and proper treatment and management.

Ezung explained that Hemophilia is a medical condition in which the ability of the blood to clot is severely reduced, causing the sufferer to bleed severely from even a slight injury. According to him, Hemophilia is an incurable hereditary bleeding disorder arising due to absence or deficiency of clotting factors in the blood.

He further stated that repeated spontaneous bleeding inside the joints and muscle of the patients, if not treated properly, could lead to permanent disability or even death.

Zunheboto: Zunheboto district observed the ‘World Blood Donor’s Day’ at the Town Hall, Zunheboto, with the deputy commissioner, Rahul Bhanudas Mali, as the special guest.

Speaking on the occasion, he stated that every human will need blood at some point. Mentioning the health benefits in donating blood, he encouraged the gathering to donate blood at least once a year. He also requested the students to get tested at district hospital to know their blood groups.

Rahul Mali also requested the social organisations to work together and set up a proper blood bank in the district. He further thanked the Green Club for organising the event and assured full cooperation of the district administration in the future as well.

The event was organised by Green Club of Zunheboto and DAPCU Zunheboto in collaboration with Indian Red Cross Society, Zunheboto district branch.