Dignitaries and others during World Blood Donors Day in Kohima on June 14. (Morung Photo)
World Blood Donors Day observed in Kohima, Mokokchung & Phek
Our Correspondents
Kohima/Mokokchung | June 14
The World Blood Donors Day was observed across the state on Friday. Every year, World Blood Donor Day is observed on June 14 highlighting the importance of blood donation and encouraging more people to become donors. The theme for this year is "20 years of celebrating giving: thank you blood donors!"
In Kohima, the Voluntary Blood Donors Association Kohima (VBDAK) in association with Nagaland Institute of Medical Sciences & Research (NIMSR) observed World Blood Donors Day at NIMSR, Kohima.
Altogether, 41 persons donated Blood on the occasion.
Speaking on the occasion, NIMSR director-cum-dean, Prof Dr Soumya Chakraborty said there is no side effect for blood donation, adding, she too had donated blood for 22 times.
Stating that there is no substitute for blood, she said blood donation is the only way around to address the supply of Blood in order to save human life.
Talking on the importance of voluntary blood donation, Dr Avila Sangtam, medical officer, Blood Centre, Naga Hospital Authority Kohima said many patients are waiting for blood in hospitals to get their operation done.
Today is a day to thank all the voluntary blood donors for the positive response, she said and expressed happiness that more people are now coming forward to donate blood. A pledge was administered by Jentiren Jamir, 2nd runner-up, Miss Nagaland 2022. Felicitation & induction of life members was done by VBDAK president Ainato Yeptho.
The Department of Posts, Nagaland Division in collaboration with Indian Red Cross Society Nagaland State Branch celebrated World Blood Donor Day at the conference hall, Kohima Head Post Office. Akhale V Khamo, general secretary IRCSN delivered the introductory speech and importance of blood donation was given by Dr Ngangshimeren, member, managing committee IRCS Nagaland. Peteruokuo Belho, LDA, IRCS Nagaland shared his experience as blood donor. Four employees of the Department of Posts, Nagaland Postal Division donated blood on the occasion at Blood Bank NHAK.
In Mokokchung, the World Blood Donor day was celebrated at Imkongliba Memorial District Hospital on 14 June. The event marked the celebration of 20 years giving blood.
Onen Lemtur and Lanuakum spoke on behalf of blood donors while Dr Maongkala, Medical Officer, Mongsenyimti PHC spoke on the significance of the day. She acknowledged the significant efforts made by blood donors to increase voluntary blood donation, as well as the widespread availability of blood.
World Blood Donation Day serves as a reminder that blood donation is a community obligation, and by donating on a regular basis, we can help to build a healthy, caring world, Dr Maongkala stated. She also encouraged everyone to collaborate with the health system and the community to ensure that we are available to donors and that no one suffers as a result of a scarcity of blood. She also urged all civil society, institutions, and ward officials to spread ideas and raise awareness. 26 units of blood were collected from the donors during the blood donation camp that followed the programme at IMDH, Mokokchung.
In Phek, the World Blood Donor Day was observed at Dr Wetshelo Memorial Hall, DH Phek.
Speaking on the theme, Dr Pangertemsu, Junior Specialist (Gynaecologist) DH highlighted the various types of blood group, essential dos and don’ts after donating blood, benefits of donating blood, pre and post donation advice to the gatherings. Participants include mostly students and teachers from various schools of Phek Town, NCC, NSS, Indian Red Cross Society Phek Branch and staff from various vertical programmes.
Dr Pangertemsu also shared that from January to May 2024, a total of 65 blood donations were done out of which 20 were donated by 38th Assam Rifles jawans.
On the occasion, the District Hospital, Phek felicitated the 38th Assam Rifles, Phek Town which was attended by CO Chundawat Prashant Singh, SC and Asst Comdt Dr Saurabh Ranjan for regularly donating blood for the patients. Michael Rhakho was also felicitated for donating blood for more than 20 times and saving many lives.
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