The Manipur State AIDS Control Society (MACS) and the State Blood Transfusion Council, Manipur jointly observed National Voluntary Blood Donation Day under the theme “One Drop of Humanity. Give Blood. Save Lives” at Sangai Hall of Hotel Imphal, North AOC, today.
Commissioner-cum-Secretary, Health and Family Welfare, Sumant Singh; Project Director of MACS, Anna Arambam; and Director of Health Services, Dr N. Hemanta Kumar, attended the programme as presidium members.
Addressing the gathering, Director of the State Blood Transfusion Council, Dr L. Dayalaxmi, said the observance aims to recognise and honour voluntary blood donors for their contribution to saving lives and to encourage regular voluntary blood donation in the community.
She said voluntary blood donation is considered one of the safest sources of blood for transfusion. Blood collected from donors undergoes mandatory screening for HIV, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, malaria and syphilis before it is released for use. Only blood units that pass the required screening are retained by blood banks.
Dr Dayalaxmi said regular voluntary blood donation not only helps maintain an adequate blood supply but also promotes a culture of community service and helps save patients requiring transfusion.
She said male donors can donate blood up to four times a year, while female donors can donate up to three times a year, subject to applicable medical requirements. She added that all five mandatory tests are conducted every time blood is donated, including in the case of regular donors.
She noted that the number of voluntary blood donors in Manipur has remained low, but the increase in blood donations recorded up to August this year was an encouraging development. She described the rise as a positive example of community participation in voluntary blood donation.