Citizens lack zeal to donate blood: MACS

SHILLONG: The state expressed its concern over the lack of enthusiasm on the part of the citizens to donate blood on the occasion of World Blood Donor Day on Friday.
Project Director of the Meghalaya Aids Control Society (MACS), Dr S Lyngdoh, said, “We have been engaging in spreading awareness on the importance of donating blood. It lets us down when we organise a blood donation camp and only a few turn up,” while adding that it is the responsibility of each citizen to donate blood.
According to Lyngdoh, blood cannot be manufactured, so it is the responsibility of everyone to donate blood which can save lives.
Lyngdoh informed in Meghalaya, only 36 per cent are voluntary blood donors and the rest of the 64 per cent comes from replacement and family members.
He also informed that World Health Organisation has set a timeline of 2020 for all countries to have 100 per cent voluntary blood donated in the respective blood banks.
He also said the MACS has discussed with the authorities that from this year onwards, if possible, blood donation programmes should be included in the school curriculum, so that the young ones are taught about the importance of blood donation and when they reach the age of 18 years, they can voluntarily donate blood.
“I have discussed this with the Chief Minister and the Education Minister they have agreed to include in the school curriculum,” he said.