FMMCH Felicitates Blood Donors on World Blood Donation Day
Father Muller Medical College Hospital felicitated Blood Donation Camp Organizers and Regular Voluntary Blood Donors to mark “World Blood Donation Day”
Mangaluru: ‘We cannot live only for ourselves. A thousand fibres connect us with our fellow men” had said Herman Melville- The United Nations observes ‘World Blood Donors Day on June 14. This is one of eight global public health campaigns marked by the WHO. As they say better late than never, Father Muller Medical College Hospital celebrated ‘WBDD’ couple days later on 16 June at the Hospital Conference Hall, with the WBDD theme this year being “Blood Connects Us All”, highlighting the common bond that all people share in their blood. The slogan, “Share Life, Give Blood”, draws attention to the role that voluntary donation systems play in encouraging people to care for one another and promoting community cohesion.
“Prayer is the key to Heaven, but faith unlocks the door.” With unfailing trust in the providence of the Lord, the programme began with invoking God’s blessings through a prayer song sung by the institution students. The welcome address delivered by Dr Kirana Pailoor, Blood Bank Officer-in-charge. “Where there is light, there cannot be darkness. Where there’s knowledge, ignorance must quit”. The flame of the lamp which burns upward shows that knowledge, represented by the flame would take us to higher levels in life. The spiritual fire of knowledge quenches the wick of the ego and negative tendencies-the programme was inaugurated by lighting the lamp by Chief Guest, KV Nagaraj, Deputy Drugs Controller in charge, Mangaluru, along with other dignitaries.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Guest KV Nagaraj said, “The blood is red gold in time of saving a life. Five minutes of your time + 350 ml. of your blood = One life saved. Blood is meant to circulate, so we need to pass it around. Donation of Blood means a few minutes to you but a lifetime for somebody else. The blood you donate gives someone another chance to live. One day that someone may be a close relative, a friend, a loved one, or even you. 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 is something we all expect to be there for us when we need it, yet very few of us come forward actively to give blood – many people would not be alive today if it wasn’t for the generosity of blood donors”
“Most people can give blood, but all donors have to meet the eligibility criteria before their blood is accepted to ensure there’s no risk of us harming you or the patients who will receive it- so make sure you can donate. Blood donation is the easiest and the most powerful way to make an impact. With each unit you give, you can save up to 4 lives! I am so glad to note that these ladies who are in a different profession have come forward with this project, thinking of other’s precious lives. Your donation of blood will surely save someone’s life one of these days. Kudos to you all for a job well done” said Nagaraj.
Guest of honor, Vijay D’Souza a businessman/NRI who has donated blood over 30 times since 2004 also spoke during the occasion saying, ” When we are able and healthy to donate blood and save others lives we should not hesitate, instead come forward and donate blood to the various blood banks. I have been a regular blood donor to the Fr Muller Blood Bank, for the reason, I like the modern equipment they have here and also because of the knowledgeable staff. Many may ask, Why give blood? You give blood for the simple reason because Giving blood saves lives. The blood you give is a lifeline in an emergency and for people who need long-term treatments. Many people would not be alive today if donors had not generously given their blood. I feel proud of myself being a Blood Donor-You too can be proud if you come forward and donate blood, and thereby save a life or lives”
Richard Coelho addressing the gathering said, “Blood donation is a noble service by which needy persons could be helped. Blood donation plays a vital role in saving the lives of three persons in one single unit of blood. By being ready to donate blood you, donors have shown that we all are one because the collected blood will help the person in need the save his / her life whether they belonged to any community or religion. The youth and adults of this country are doing yeomen service through blood donation camps. I urge everyone to donate more blood so that more lives are saved. I compliment the blood donors who will be felicitated today for their kind act of service to humanity. God bless you all”.
A beautiful slogan goes like this-“Among flowers-the Rose. Among Human beings- the Blood Donor”. They give the gift that costs nothing to give, these are the unsung heroes who live by the adage – share a little, care a little, donate blood. FMMCH as a token of appreciation felicitated a few blood donors who have contributed immensely and to those who have helped co-ordinate, and organize these camps. Dr. Jayaprakash Alva, Dean FMMCH felicitated the camp organizers namely-Seva Bharati Trust represented by K Vinayaka Rao; and Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal represented by Vijith and Lokesh respectively. Ten other blood donors were also felicitated, namely- Dr. Chryselle D’ Souza, Dr. Vivin Cherian, AJ Anand Nelliat, Ubaid BM, Lancer D’ Souza, Sandeep Wilson Mendonca, Mrs. Lovereena D’Souza, Rithik Raj, Nithin and Fahid KV
“Gratitude is the language of a noble heart” goes the saying- the vote of thanks was proposed by Dr. Charu Khosla, while the entire programme was professionally compered by Dr. Deborah D’Almeida-PG Resident – MD Pathology, FMMC. Yes, 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 the life by donating Blood. The blood donor of today may be a recipient of tomorrow.
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.
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 Fr Muller Hospital Blood Bank or your local Red Cross Society. Let us remember, the finest gesture one can make is to save the life by donating blood. Strong communities are built on safe blood. Donating blood is a social responsibility. Let blood bind us together in friendship forever. Smile and give, someone will smile and live.