Srinagar 1st Oct 2021: On the occasion of “National Voluntary Blood Donation Day”, Indian Red Cross Society, J&K Chapter in collaboration with NGO’s Coordination Committee held a Blood Donation Camp today at Red Cross House, Exchange Road, Srinagar. Besides this a seminar was also held on the importance of Blood Donation.
Dr. Arun Kumar Mehta, Chief Secretary J&K inaugurated the event. National Voluntary Blood Donation Day is observed in India on 1st October each year since 1975 to encourage healthy people to donate blood. The day is also observed in the memory of Dr. J.G. Jolly, who is regarded as the father of Transfusion Medicine in India. Near about 100 healthy persons donated blood on this occasion.
Kifayat Hussain Rizvi, IAS (Retd.) Honorary General Secretary IRCS while welcoming the Chief Guest, volunteers and blood donors said that we have observed that due to awareness about the importance of blood donation, misconceptions related to blood donation have been dispelled. On the occasion Honorary General Secretary introduced nine blood donors who have donated blood between hundred and 52 pints. Besides this there are large number of people who are always available to donate blood. The voluntary blood donation has in process improved access to safe blood transfusion to patients.
Dr. Arun Kumar Mehta, Chief Secretary on the occasion congratulated the blood donors, volunteers and life members of IRCS. He further said that he was pleased to know that women were also present on the occasion to donate blood side by side with men. He praised the girl students who had come to donate blood. He said that blood donation doesn’t only help a deserving patient but is medically known to be beneficial for the donor as well. He encouraged volunteers to reach out to general public to educate them about the benefits of blood donation. He further said that more such camps need to be organized in this regard.
Dr. Arun Kumar Mehta, emphasized on availing the benefits of Golden Cards. He impressed upon all including IRCS volunteers to work hard to get every person covered under this scheme so that maximum people take benefit. Chief Secretary further emphasized for providing helping hand to disabled persons. He said that Govt. will provide all necessary help to such segment of society so that they also play effective and positive role in society.
Dr. Arun Kumar Mehta also emphasized on mass vaccination to avoid the negative effects of third wave of coronavirus and strict observance of Covid guidelines.
Dr. Syed Hanief Balkhi, Additional Deputy Commissioner Srinagar at the end thanked Chief Guest, Volunteers, Blood Donors and the Coordination Committee of NGO’s who made the event successful.
