Chandigarh June 13:- The State Government would launch a month long awareness campaign for voluntary blood donation in the state for safe and secure supply of blood for blood banks from June 14th.
Disclosing this here today Mr. Madan Mohan Mittal Health & Family Welfare Minister Punjab said tht Punjab State Blood Transfusion Council would observe World Blood Donor’s day on 14th June to raise awareness regarding the need for safe Blood Donation and Transfusion to the needy persons.
He added that nationwide approximate 9 million units of blood were donated every year, however the demand for blood transfusion increasing every year & many states were unable to meet their current needs.
He said that necessary instructions have already been issued to Deputy Commissioners and Civil Surgeons to mark the day at district headquarters by organizing various activities and also by honouring voluntary blood donors. Revised funds have also been released to all the t Blood Banks to ensure celebration of the day and organize activities during one month as campaign, he added.. He also informed that voluntary blood donor Mr. Bhupinder Singh Grewal who have donated blood more than 100 times, would be honoured at World Blood Donor’s Day organised by National Aids Control Society (NACO)at New Delhi.
M.r Mittal said that in the past 3 years, Punjab has improved collection of blood through Voluntary Blood Donation from 50% (2009-10) to 78% (2011-12). However, more efforts are needed to achieve 100% Voluntary Blood Collection. In Punjab, every district is uniquely equipped with a Blood Bank as well as a Blood Component Separation Unit facility, he added.
The Minister further said that theme of this year is " Every Blood Donor is a Hero", so youth should play an important role in the noble cause by donating blood regularly after every three months and also by motivating fellow youth to become regular voluntary unpaid blood donors to ensure sufficient stocks of blood needed for routine and emergency treatment.
He said that the Punjabis are known for their velour and dedication towardshard work all over the world. Thus there is no reason that Punjabis should lag behind in achieving the goal of 100% voluntary blood donation. He informed that Blood donation does not cause any weakness, rather it makes one energetic and builds self esteem. He appeals to all eligible persons of Punjab in the age group of 18 to 65 years to come forward without any hesitation and donate blood voluntarily and regularly.
No.PR-12/358
