Blood donor registration drive at USTM
From Our Correspondent
NONGPOH, Sep 10: In a bid to raise awareness about the rising incidence of blood cancer and the critical role stem cell transplants play in treatment, the DKMS BMST Foundation India, a leading nonprofit dedicated to fighting blood cancer, conducted a stem cell donor registration drive at the University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM).
According to a statement here, the initiative was aimed at inspiring young individuals to register as potential stem cell donors.
During a press conference, Head of Donor Request Management at DKMS-BMST, Dr. Minerva Mary, emphasised the urgent need for more youths to join the donor registry.
“Every five minutes, someone in India is diagnosed with blood cancer or a blood disorder such as Thalassemia or Aplastic Anemia. Many of these patients are children and young adults, whose only hope for recovery is a stem cell transplant,” she stated.
Meanwhile, Head of Donor Recruitment at DKMS-BMST, Syantan Dutta Gupta, informed that the DKMS-BMST has registered over 6,000 potential stem cell donors in the Northeast region, including 1,500 from Assam and 170 from Meghalaya.
“However, these numbers are insufficient, as many patients are still waiting for a suitable donor match. We urge young people to take part in this drive and join the global community of stem cell donors,” he added.
On the other hand, USTM Vice Chancellor, Prof. GD Sharma, expressed his support for the initiative, and said, “We are proud that DKMS-BMST is working to raise awareness about blood cancer and stem cell donation. Our university is committed to promoting the health and well-being of students and the wider community. We hope that through this drive, many young people will step forward and register as potential donors.”
Meanwhile, Gautam Kumar, a stem cell donor from Jharkhand, shared his experience with the donation process and expressed his joy in helping save a life.
He highlighted the lack of awareness, particularly in rural areas of India, which discourages people from coming forward as donors.
Kumar also encouraged the youths to participate in the donor registration drive.
