Shillong, Jun 12: The Meghalaya State Blood Transfusion Council, along with the Directorate of Health Services Medical Education and Research, observed World Blood Donor Day 2026 on Friday at the State Convention Centre, Shillong, under the theme “One Drop of Humanity. Give Blood. Save Lives.”
Health Minister Wailadmiki Shylla, in his keynote, called voluntary donors “silent heroes” and urged the health department to target Meghalaya’s youth.
“Voluntary blood donors are silent heroes who save countless lives, emphasizing that everyday citizens have the power to make an impact,” he said.
Noting that 51% of the state’s population is under 25, Shylla directed officials to expand awareness campaigns. “I direct all health care officials and program officers to expand awareness campaigns into schools, colleges, and public spaces to inspire the younger generation,” he stated.
To modernize donation systems, the Minister proposed a mobile app for donor registration and real-time blood stock visibility. “You don’t need a degree, you don’t need to be a doctor or a medical practitioner to save life. You can just give your blood and save life,” Shylla said.
Dr. L. Mylliemumlong, Director DME, stressed donation as a social duty. “I urge the public to adopt voluntary blood donation as a social responsibility. The process is entirely safe and naturally replenished by the body,” she said.
Dr. S. Lyngdoh, Additional Director DME, added that voluntary donation remains the safest source. “Blood cannot be manufactured artificially. Voluntary, non-remunerated donation is the safest and most sustainable method to meet demand for surgeries, cancer treatment, and emergencies,” he noted.
Deborah Anne Shylla received the Lifetime Achievement Award. First-time donors Stevenson Shabong, Gamken D. Lendo, H. Lalpekhlui, Deimon Longme Kharkongor, Ilwanbet Lating, and Apkyrmen Janong were felicitated, along with highest donors Rangshai Rani, Hunlang Mary Marbaniang, Gareth S. Kurkalang, and Amitius Rai.
Blood centres at Dr. H.G. Roberts Hospital, Nazareth Hospital, NEIGRIHMS, and Pasteur Institute Shillong were honoured. Student groups from Synod College, Don Bosco Technical School, Lady Keane College, and IIM Shillong’s Ecobiz Club were also recognised.
The event concluded with a pledge-taking ceremony and a testimony by transfusion recipient Ms. Naphisabet Lhuid.
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