Shillong, June 14: The North Eastern Indira Gandhi Regional Institute of Health and Medical Sciences (NEIGRIHMS) on Tuesday observed the ‘World Blood Donor Day’ with a program to express gratitude to the voluntary blood donor organisations for their altruistic act with presentation of mementos.
The occasion was graced by Dr Ashok Rai, DIG (Medical), Composite Hospital, FTR HQ, BSF and Dr L. Somorendra, Sr Director, Regional Office for Health and Family Welfare, Ministry of Health Family Welfare, Government of India and Prof C. Daniala, Medical Superintendent, NEIGRIHMS.
A pledge taking ceremony was also held where all present took the pledge to become regular voluntary blood donors and to spread the awareness about voluntary blood donation.
Alongside, a voluntary blood donation camp was also conducted at Military Hospital, Shillong to mark the occasion where 76 donors donated their blood. The program was inaugurated by Dr SN Kulkarni, Commandant, Military Hospital.
In the run-up to the event, a motivational talk on the importance and necessity of voluntary blood donation was delivered by Dr Lutika Nepram, in-Charge, Blood Centre, NEIGRIHMS, on June 8, 2022 at 421 Field Hospital, Military Station Umroi, to an audience of 250 Army Officers, personnel and their families.
This was followed by a Voluntary Blood Donation Camp on June 9, 2022 where 100 blood units were donated by the Army Officers and personnel. The programs were inaugurated by Col Prafull Mohan, Commanding Officer, 421 Field Hospital, Military Station, Umroi who also led the pledge taking ceremony.
About World Blood Donor Day
June 14 is celebrated all around the world as ‘World Blood Donor Day’ in honour of Dr Karl Landsteiner who discovered the ABO blood group system. This clay is celebrated to raise awareness of the need for safe blood and its components and to thank voluntary non-remunerated blood donors for their selfless act.
This year the WHO is calling on people all around the globe to give blood in a gesture of solidarity.
Access to safe blood and its components is a critical aspect of the health care system. The need for blood is ever more and becoming a regular voluntary non remunerated blood donor is a simple but selfless act in helping save lives.
