DIMAPUR, OCTOBER 1 (MExN): The first day of October is the National Voluntary Blood Donation day. In conjunction with the rest of the country Blood Bank, District Hospital, Dimapur organised a blood donation camp on Friday, October 1 at the district hospital.
Before the camp began, a brief programme was conducted at the hospital’s chapel wherein, the importance of blood donation was highlighted by the doctors as well as donors. Moala, a woman who received 77 units of blood from donors and lived to tell the story of her miraculous survival also attended the programme.
Medical Superintendent of the district hospital, Dr. Sukhato introducing Moala, testified how crucial and life saving blood donation can be. Dr. Sukhato recalled that the woman was suffering from a serious illness and her chances of survival were less than one percent. “Because of you all (the donors)… voluntarily donating blood, we could save her life.” The MS further rooted for the formation of ‘blood donors club’ stating that it would make life worthwhile living. A fully functional blood component separation unit at the hospitals’ blood bank is also in the offing, he said. Almost half of the set up required to complete the unit has been installed, he said. Dr. Sukhato lauded the Medical Officer of the Blood Bank, Dr. Temsu for the latter’s tireless effort in successfully carrying forward with the project. “I’m here today because of you,” said Moala expressing her heartfelt gratitude to the donors. She prayed that the donors would keep on with their noble deeds even in future so that other needy people could also benefit.
Dr. Temsu remarked: “Today is very important, because we’re making history.” He proudly informed that Dimapur or rather Nagaland has a ‘blood donors club’. It is now 145 members strong, he informed while adding: “We’re going to have so many blood giving friends.” He further appealed upon all to join the club voluntarily. To encourage potential donors to join the club, he clarified that by joining it, one is not necessarily obligated to donate his or her blood. He said the aim of the club is to make blood donation into a mass social movement. For this, networking with the NGOs and the civil societies is the need of the hour, he said.
Highlighting the virtue of voluntary blood donation in a power point presentation, Dr. Temsu remarked: “Blood donation is about maintaining a positive balance of blood units in the blood bank.” “I Save others lives today, others will come and save me tomorrow,” must be the concept, he said. The responsibility now for all is to lead by example. “Save blood should wait for the patients and not the patients waiting for it”, he said. “I want your support … lets work together, so that we could save more lives.”
VA Jose president of the Kerala Samajan Dimapur and a teacher by profession stated it would be very helpful indeed, if clubs, NGOs and societies alike could maintain a directory of its members with their blood groups. Kerala Samajan Dimapur, he informed keeps a list detailing the blood group of its members. This way, they can react to emergencies quickly whenever a need arises. Jose himself is a blood donor of twenty three times.
Winnie Konyak representing the district administration simply said: “There’s no harm, tell your friends… spread the message… someone’s life really needs you.” “Let us do it…spread awareness.” He opined that one can start with one’s immediate family. Konyak is also a regular donor.
The programme was followed by the people, who attended, volunteering to donate their blood. Prof. Avikasit was the first donor to register for the donation. It was his first time, he disclosed.
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