World Blood Donor Day observed
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, June 15 2017:
National Health Mission, Manipur in collaboration with Health Department, Manipur observed World Blood Donor Day under the theme 'What can you do? Give blood.
Give now.
Give often' at MFDS Hall, Palace Gate yesterday.
Minister Health and Family Welfare, L Jayantakumar Singh and State Mission Director, Dr L Lokendro Singh, Additional Director (MC) Health Services, Manipur, Dr H Ranjit Singh, Additional Director (PF) Health Services, Manipur, Dr S Manikanta Singh, Additional Director (MD) Health Services, Manipur, Dr P Shyamsunder Singh and Additional Director (PH) Health Services, Manipur, D Kh Sasheekumar Mangang took part in the event as the chief guest, president and guests of honour respectively.
A rally was also flagged off by Dr Lokendro, in connection with the event.
Speaking at the event, L Jayantakumar said that blood is critical in order to save lives and as such, the importance of blood banks cannot be underestimated.
"However, setting up and maintaining a blood bank is not an easy task.
More advanced and sophisticated methods are required so that blood can be provided at a moment notice during emergencies", he added.
Jayantakumar assured that the Department is trying its level best to provide blood adequately if need be.
He pointed out that the Department is taking up every possible steps to establish, maintain and improve blood storage and blood bank facilities in connection with the Chief Minister's aim to achieve greatness across various fields within the first 100 days of the new State Government in power.
Speaking at the event, State Programme Officer (State Blood Cell) NHM Manipur, Dr L Tomcha said that blood is becoming more important day by day in medical care.
He stated that out of-a total 112.5 million units of blood collected every year, 50 percent comes from people of high income countries which makes up just 19 percent of the world's population while the rest comes from those in low income countries which makes up the remaining 80 percent of the population.
Blood provided to those in need should be safe blood and the most well known source of blood is from voluntary blood donors.
Tomcha pointed out that there are at present five operational licensed blood banks in Manipur, namely RIMS, JNIMS, Churachandpur district hospital, district hospital Thoubal and Shija Hospitals and Research Institute.
The five blood banks have collected around 20,904 units of blood from April 2016 to March 2017.According to the calculations devised by WHO regarding necessary blood units for a region according to its population, the blood unit of Manipur should be 30,000 in the light of its 30 lakh population.
This can be achieved with the help of volunteer blood donors", he added.
Milestone blood donors (having donated more than 30 times) and recognition of donor organisations which have organised at least three blood camps or collected more than 100 units of blood from October 2016 to June 2017 were honoured and recognised as a part of the event.