World Blood Donor Day 2024 is observed at Kasturba Hospital, Manipal
Manipal: World Blood Donor Day is observed on June 14 to spread awareness regarding the need for “safe blood and blood products for transfusion”. According to the World Health Organization, blood-related products are crucial for public health across the globe. This day also marks an opportunity to thank volunteers and blood donors for their contributions. the theme for the year 2024 is “20 years of celebrating giving: thank you blood donors!”
This theme highlights two key aspects: Appreciation for Blood Donors: For the past two decades, World Blood Donor Day has served as a platform to express immense gratitude to voluntary blood donors. Their selfless act of giving blood has saved countless lives and continues to be the backbone of a safe and secure blood supply.
A Milestone Year: 2024 marks 20 years of raising awareness and promoting blood donation. This anniversary provides an opportunity to reflect on the progress made, acknowledge ongoing challenges, and celebrate the dedication of blood donors, blood centres, and organisations working tirelessly in this field.
Ms Rashmi SR KAS was the chief guest and inaugurated the program. Dr Padmaraj Hegde, Dean, KMC Manipal, Dr Anand Venugopal, COO, Teaching Hospital, MAHE Manipal were the Guests Of honour for the program. Dr Avinash Shetty, Medical Superintendent, Dr Shamee Shastry, Head, Blood Centre and Dr Ganesh Ganesh Mohan, Asoociate Professor, Blood Centre were present.
On this occasion Ms Rashmi SR emphasized the critical importance of blood donation. She stated, “One unit of blood can save up to three lives. India always faces a shortfall of 1 million units of Blood. Blood has no caste, no religion, and there is no alternative to it. It should be provided to those in need through donation. Therefore, all eligible donors should contribute to saving lives by donating blood regularly.”.
While addressing the gathering, Dr. Padmaraj Hegde stated, “Every two seconds, someone needs blood. If a healthy individual starts donating blood at the age of 18 and donates three times a year, by the age of 60, they will have donated 30 gallons of blood. This can save at least 500 lives. Therefore, we should inspire others to donate blood as well.”
Felicitated the Blood Donors Motivators, Best staff of Kasturba Hospital Blood Centre. Prize distributed to winners of Drawing/ Painting competition which organised for the school and College students and Slogan writing Competition organised for KMC students. Dr Avinash Shetty welcomed the gathering and stressed the importance of remembering world Blood Donors day. Dr Shamee Shastry gave an overview of the program. Dr Ganesh Mohan proposed vote of thanks. Mr. Vishwesha N red the list of Blood Donors Motivators whom got felicitated. Dr Deepika was the Master of ceremony for the program.
