50 Blood Donors Honored by Indian Red Cross Society DK marking ‘World Blood Donor Day’
50 Blood Donors Honored by Indian Red Cross Society DK marking ‘World Blood Donor Day’ at a programme held at Town Hall, Mangaluru on 14 June 2019
Mangaluru : Every year, on 14 June, countries around the world celebrate World Blood Donor Day (WBDD). The event serves to raise awareness of the need for safe blood and blood products and to thank blood donors for their life-saving gifts of blood. Blood is an important resource, both for planned treatments and urgent interventions. It can help patients suffering from life-threatening conditions live longer and with a higher quality of life, and supports complex medical and surgical procedures. Blood is also vital for treating the wounded during emergencies of all kinds (natural disasters, accidents, armed conflicts, etc.) and has an essential, life-saving role in maternal and perinatal care.
A blood service that gives patients access to safe blood and blood products in sufficient quantity is a key component of an effective health system. Ensuring safe and sufficient blood supplies requires the development of a nationally coordinated blood transfusion service based on voluntary non-remunerated blood donations. However, blood services face the challenge of making sufficient blood available, while also ensuring its quality and safety. And locally here in Mangaluru, The Indian Red Cross Society-Dakshina Kannada branch observe ‘World Blood Donor Day’ on 14 June at Town Hall, Mangaluru at 10 am.
The programme began with a prayer invoking God’s blessing, followed by welcome address by S A Prabhakar Sharma K A S- Hon Secretary of IRCS DK. The inauguration of World Blood Donor’s Day was done by Additional Deputy Commissioner & additional District Magistrate R Venkatachalapathy, along with other dignitaries on the dais namely- Dr Sathish Kumar Bhandary- Vice Chancellor, Nitte Deemed to be University; Dr Savitha -Superintendent and Dr Durga Prasad- Residential Medical Officer, both at Govt Lady Goschen Hospital, Mangaluru; Rajashekar Puranik- Environment Officer DK; and Basrur Rajeev Shetty -Managing Body Member, Indian Red Cross Society, NHQ New Delhi; Rtn CA Shantharam Shetty -Chairman of The Indian Red Cross Society-Dakshina Kannada; Dr U V Shenoy- Chairman Blood Bank Sub Committee-IRCS; S A Prabhakar Sharma K A S- Hon Secretary of IRCS DK, among others.
Addressing the audience, Chief guest Additional Deputy Commissioner R Venkatachalapathy stressed on the need of blood donation, which is very much needed these days during emergency cases at various hospitals. He also highlighted the importance of blood donation, and blood being the most precious thing in this world a human being have, convinced the audience to come forward and donate blood, thereby save some precious lives. “Blood donation is a noble service by which needy persons could be helped. Blood donation plays an vital role in saving the lives of three persons in one single unit of blood. By being ready to donate blood many of you have showed that we all are one because the collected blood will help the person in need to save his / her life whether they belonged to any community or religion” added R Venkatachalapathy .
Speaking on the occasion Dr Sathish Kumar Bhandary said, “Today’s campaign on World Blood Donor Day underlines the role every single person can play in helping others in emergency situations, by giving the valuable gift of blood. It also focuses on the fact that it is important to give blood regularly, so that the blood stock is sufficient before an emergency arises. Also there are poor people in need of blood who can’t afford to pay for the blood when needed- in such cases volunteers should come forward and donate blood and help these poor community. We need to compliment Mangaluru IRCS for their active role in encouraging citizens to donate blood through camps and other means. So come forward and donate blood, and save lives”.
Also speaking on the occasion, Basrur Rajeev Shetty -Managing Body Member, Indian Red Cross Society, NHQ New Delhi said, “Blood is a lifeline and its value is only recognized when we are in need of it to save the lives of our near and dear ones . Do you feel you don’t have much to offer? You have the most precious resource of all: the ability to save a life by donating blood! Help share this invaluable gift with someone in need. If you’re a blood donor, you’re a hero to someone, somewhere, who received your gracious gift of life. The finest gesture one can make is to save life by donating Blood. The blood donor of today may be recipient of tomorrow. I am happy to note that the local IRCS is doing a great job in arranging blood donation camps in order to collect blood, and the induction of 24 young boys and girls as volunteers during need of blood is indeed a innovative idea”.
During the occasion people two families, namely Sharavu Raghavendra Shastry-hereditary trustee of Sri Sharavu Kshetra; and the Siddique Brothers, who have collectively donated blood a record number of times. Apart from these two families, nearly 20 persons who have donated blood more than 15 times and 50 plus representatives of organizations that have arranged blood donation camp to ensure that the society never has to face shortage of blood, were also felicitated. By honouring these people IRCS-DK was only repaying this emotional attachment with donors/organizations. Also on the occasion, 24 youth, both boys and girls took an oath that they will actively donate blood whenever needed in future. Also it was announced that Sudhakar Rai from Sullia who has donated blood 104 times was honoured at a function in Bengaluru today. The programme was compered by Abhishekh Shetty.
The Sidduque Family
In conclusion- some of you may ask-Why Donate Blood? You don’t need a special reason to give blood; you just need your own reason. Some of us give blood because we were asked by a friend. Some know that a family member or a friend might need blood some day. Some believe it is the right thing we do. The number one reason donors say they give blood is because they “want to help others.” Whatever your reason, the need is constant and your contribution is important for a healthy and reliable blood supply. And you’ll feel good knowing you’ve helped change a life.
Sudesh Shastri has donated blood 141 times, his wife Padmavathi, 42 times, and daughter Aishwarya, 11 times
A life may depend on a gesture from you, a bottle of Blood. To give blood you need neither extra strength nor extra food,and you will save a life. Blood Donation will cost you nothing but it will save a life! Tears of a mother cannot save her Child. But your Blood can. To the young and healthy it’s no loss. To sick it’s hope of life. Donate Blood to give back life. Blood is meant to circulate. Pass it around. Share a little, care a little – Donate Blood. And when you decide to donate blood contact your local Red Cross Society. Remember that the Gift of Blood is the Gift of Life. So donate blood today-it’s a Bloody Good Job! Thank You!
Contact : Indian Red Cross Society (IRCS) Blood Bank at : 0824 – 2423755; 0824-2410787; Email: ircsdkd@gmail.com