By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: “There is a need to spread awareness among people especially those living in the rural areas to overcome their fear and shed their superstitions in regards to blood donation,” said Programme Co-coordinator NSS NEHU, Dr J Mawthoh
Speaking at a voluntary blood donation camp, organised by St Anthony’s College in collaboration with the Nazareth Hospital Blood Bank, Meghalaya AIDS Control Society (MACS), NEHU NSS and SETP on the college premises here on Thursday, Dr Mawthoh said “the voluntary blood donation scenario is discouraging in Meghalaya, where most of the people are well educated”.
“There are more than 1800 student volunteers in Meghalaya but only around 150 regularly come forward to donate blood,” he said.
He pointed out that there had been an improvement in the last three years wherein the number of institutions having NSS has increased from 35 to 61 and from 55 programme officers in the State the number has gone up to 88. “Whereas, the number of institutions having Red Ribbon Club has gone up to 33 from 10,” he added.
There are four ‘identified’ blood banks in the State and they are at Pasteur Institute, Nazareth Hospital, Dr H Gordon Roberts Hospital and NEIGRIHMS, he said.
In his speech, Dr H Dkhar, head of the department of Pathology, Nazareth Hospital, stressed on the need to avoid accepting blood donated by professionals saying it might put patients’ life in danger.
The others present in the function include Administrator of Nazareth Hospital Rev Sr Mary Paul, former Director of MACS, Dr AF Ryngksai, Principal of St Anthony’s College, Rev (Dr) Fr I Warpakma.
