Port Blair, June 14: On the occasion of “World Blood Donor Day” 2024, A & N AIDS Control Society organized a blood donation camp in co-ordination with Government Industrial Training Institute (ITI), Dollygunj in association with Blood Bank, G. B. Pant Hospital, Port Blair on 14th June, 2024 at Multipurpose Hall, ITI, Dollygunj, Port Blair. A total of 42 units of blood were donated by the students, staffs and voluntary donors.
The camp was inaugurated by Chief Guest Dr. Suja Antony, Director of Health Services, A & N Administration, Port Blair in presence of Dr. Subrata Saha, Project Director / Director, SBTC, Shri Venketesh, Principal ITI, Dr. Vyankatesh A, HOD (Pathology) Blood Bank/ ANIIMS and Dr. Shilpa Vijay Sankhe, Medical Officer/ Officer Incharge, Blood Bank.
Dr. Suja Antony, Director of Health Services, A & N Administration, Port Blair highlighting the significance of this global event on the theme "20 years of celebrating giving: thank you blood donors!" the chief guest raise awareness about the continuous need for safe blood and blood products. Let us remember that every donation counts and encourage donor to support this noble cause, ensuring that our health systems remain resilient and life-saving.
In this occasion Dr. Subrata Saha, Project Director / Director, SBTC motivated the voluntary blood donors for the noble cause and emphasized the critical importance of blood donation and traced the origins of this vital global observance. Speaking at a special event Dr. Saha recounted the history of World Blood Donor Day, explaining that it was established by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2004 to raise awareness about the need for safe blood and blood products, and to thank voluntary, unpaid blood donors for their selfless contributions. The date, June 14th, was chosen in honor of the birthday of Karl Landsteiner, the Nobel Prize-winning scientist who discovered the ABO blood group system. He thanked all those voluntary donors who has contributed immensely during the World Blood Donor Day.
Further Dr. Vyankatesh A, Head of the Department of Pathology at the Blood Bank, shared insights on the pivotal role of blood banks in healthcare. "Blood banks are essential lifelines that ensure the availability of safe and adequate blood supplies for patients in need," Dr. Vyankatesh stated. "From emergency surgeries to chronic treatments, the blood we store and manage is vital for saving lives and improving health outcomes. Our mission is to maintain the highest standards of safety and efficiency, and we rely on the generosity of voluntary donors to fulfill this critical need. Together, we can make a profound difference in countless lives."
The Blood Donation was facilitated by the Dr. Shilpa Vijay Sankhe, Medical Officer/ Officer Incharge, Blood Bank. The donors were examined for their eligibility to donate blood and briefed the donors on various aspect and importance of blood donation.
Shri Venketesh C.H, Principal, Government Industrial Training Institute (ITI), Dollygunj, Port Blair organized the camp and made arrangement for conducting the camp successfully.
The technical team from Blood Bank, G.B. Pant Hospital, Port Blair and A&N AIDS Control Society ensured that the donated blood units are screened for the blood transmissible diseases. They also examined the donors for eligibility. Donors certificate were also distributed to the voluntary donors.