Udupi: The district has set a new benchmark in blood donation. People have donated 28,000 units of blood during this year. The government is said to be gearing up to declare Udupi as the Blood Donors District. Like-minded associations like G Shanker Family Trust, Lions Club, Rotary Club and other associations organize blood donation camps every year.
The G Shanker Family Trust has set up a goal to collect 1,00,000 units of blood in ten years and has succeeded to collect 50,000 units in 7 years. The District Blood Bank has been collecting 8,000 units every year by setting up blood donation camps with the co-operation of local associations. Kasturba Medical College has been collecting 18,000 units of blood.
Dr Rohini, District Health and Family Welfare Officer, sharing her views said that Udupi is a literate district where awareness of blood donation is present among the people. “The youth and many others are always ready to help people who are in need of blood. Chidanand Pai has donated blood 67 times while Vinutha Pai has been donating blood for 27 years.
“If Udupi district is declared as the Blood Donors District, it will inspire people to come forward to donate blood. 1% of the total population donates blood in India while in Udupi district, it is 2%,” said Dr Nikin Shetty.
