'Free blood for children' launched at JNIMS
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, January 14 2025: Helping Hands for People, Manipur, in collaboration with Blood Centre, JNIMS, has launched a scheme to provide free blood to children up to 12 years of age undergoing treatment at JNIMS Hospital.

The announcement was made by the organisation's president, Premjit Moirangthem, during the launch event of the 'Free Blood for Children' scheme at the Blood Centre, JNIMS on Tuesday.

The initiative, which aims to encourage voluntary blood donation across the state, was inaugurated with blood donations by around 35 members of the JNIMS Students' Association and junior resident doctors, led by associate professor of haematology Dr Irom Anil and additional MS & head of the child ward, Dr Kameshore.

'Free blood for children' launched at JNIMS

The event was attended by JNIMS medical superintendent Dr Lokeshwor and head of Blood Centre, JNIMS, Dr Surjit.

Under the scheme, children aged 0 to 12 years will receive blood free of cost without the need for replenishing the stock with replacement blood.

Premjit stated that members of Helping Hands for People, Manipur, will ensure the availability of blood for the beneficiaries.

Currently limited to JNIMS Hospital, the organisation has plans to extend the coverage to private hospitals associated with Blood Centre, JNIMS, and other blood centres across the state in the future, he revealed.

Parents seeking assistance under the scheme can contact the organisation's Child Helpline at 8014330824, 7005677610, or 6009541050.Premjit also called for public support, urging professionals from various fields to participate in voluntary blood donation to save the lives of children.

He highlighted a concerning drop in voluntary blood donation amid the ongoing crisis, which has reduced contributions from 30 per cent of the total requirement.

He emphasised the importance of increasing voluntary blood donations to 100 per cent, especially as the upcoming Blood Transfusion Act will prohibit replacement donors.

Dr Surjit praised the initiative, stating that it will attract patients in need of blood transfusions and enhance the hospital's service capacity, while extending gratitude to Helping Hands for People, Manipur, and appealing for public support to sustain the scheme.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) outlining the terms and conditions of the scheme was signed between Helping Hands for People, Manipur, and Blood Centre, JNIMS during the event.