Fear of donating blood still exists in Nagaland, says health expert

KOHIMA — The fear of donating blood is still there in the minds of the people in Nagaland, said Dr. Vibeituonuo M Sachu, Principal Director, Directorate of Health and Family Welfare (DHFW), on Wednesday.

Addressing the World Blood Donor Day, which was jointly organised by the Voluntary Blood Donors’ Association Kohima (VBDAK) and Health department in Kohima, Dr. Sachu, however, exuded that the occasion will create awareness about the importance of donating blood and spread the message to all sections of the society, which will help save precious lives.

Informing that many countries are facing the challenge of making blood available to those in need, she said the lack of access to safe blood and blood products will have a big impact on  patients, including those requiring regular transfusion.

Every blood donor is a hero and everyone can be a hero by donating blood, she said while acknowledging the contribution of the unsung heroes who save lives. She also encouraged people to donate blood voluntarily and regularly.

Special invitee of the programme, Col. SBB Sharma, Commandant Officer (CO), Kohima Battalion, Assam Rifles, highlighted the significance of World Blood Donor Day and requirement of blood donations.

Maintaining that everyone has a role to play in blood donation, he said the army personnel come forward to help without a second thought whenever they receive calls from people in need of blood, and that they would continue to do in future too.

He also informed that the Assam Rifles, Kohima Battalion has donated about 117 units in the last two years.

In her keynote address, Dr. Akuo Sorhie, Project Director of Nagaland State Aids Control Society (NSACS) highlighted the objectives of the event and encouraged voluntary blood donors to continue to be the ambassadors of the act of saving life.

She said voluntary blood donors are the best motivators and inspiration through their stories of saving lives.

‘Blood is a gift from God, we all have it in us; a gift we can share to those whose life, whose tomorrow depends on just a single pint of blood to survive. So, if you have an opportunity to save a life by donating your blood today, don’t let this opportunity pass by. Remember, you don’t have to be a doctor to save life,’ said Dr. Sorhie.

Also speaking at the event, Dr. V Akhale Khamo, General Secretary of IRCSN, highlighted the importance of voluntary blood donation and acknowledged the givers. Donating blood not only helps those who receive; there are other health benefits for the givers too, she said.

Miss Nagaland 2022, Hikali Achumi appealed to the people to come forward and donate blood.

The programme was chaired by Khrievotsonuo Terhase and concluding remarks delivered by Ainato Yeptho, president of VBDAK.

A blood donation camp was also held at the Directorate of Health and Family Welfare with the department officials, Assam Rifles (AR), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Border Roads Organisation (BRO), students and others.

Related news: ‘Donating blood is sharing life with another person’