Our Bureau
Shillong/Tura, June 14: Around 150 voluntary blood donor organisations including individuals were felicitated on World Blood Donor Day observed at MIIT Dhanketi on Friday where Health Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh was the chief guest.
Under the theme ‘20 years of celebrating giving: Thank you, blood donors!’ The event aimed to honour voluntary blood donors from NGOs, individuals, institutions, military hospitals, and blood storage centers for their invaluable contributions. It also successfully highlighted the importance of voluntary blood donation and the need for greater public participation.
The event was preceded by a bike rally flagged off by SP Traffic East Khasi Hills, and Joint Director DHS (Research) followed by a blood donation camp. On the occasion, two blood transportation vans were also inaugurated.
10 Blood Centres and 15 Blood Storage Centres of the state also observed World Blood Donor Day in their respective districts.
Lyngdoh, shared her commitment to blood donation, stating that she donates every year and is always ready to donate when needed in her constituency.
She pledged that the government would strive to serve the people of Meghalaya, setting aside politics to encourage community cooperation and selfless service.
Joint Secretary of the Science and Technology Cell Gunanka, who is also a regular donor, stated that ‘losing lives due to a shortage of blood is a societal failure. Donating blood is simple and something we all can do by visiting the blood bank occasionally.”
Apkyrmenlang Janong, a donor and student of St. Edmund’s encouraged others to dispel misconceptions about blood donation, emphasizing its role in saving lives and improving personal health.
The government and various organisations pledged to continue promoting and facilitating blood donations to ensure no lives are lost due to a blood shortage in Meghalaya.
Blood donors
felicitated in Tura
Blood donors who had been donating their blood selflessly to save precious lives were felicitated during the World Blood Donors Day observation at Tura Civil Hospital on Friday.
The 200 Bn BSF Danakgre, 1st Bn, BSF Danakgre, and HDFC Bank Tura were among other donors who were felicitated during the programme.
West Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner Jagdish Chelani, Superintendent of Tura Civil Hospital Dr IC Marak and others addressed the gathering.
The programme was organised by the Blood Centre of the hospital in collaboration with the State Blood Transfusion Council and State Blood Cell, National Health Mission, West Garo Hills.