(Left) Abeü Meru, president Naga Mothers Association donating blood on the occasion of World Blood Donors Day at Secretariat Kohima. (Right) Chief Secretary, Lalthara addressing during the World Blood Donors Day. (Morung Photos)
Kohima | June 14 : Nagaland today observed ‘World Donors Day’ under the aegis of NSACS in collaboration with Nagaland Secretariat Service Association at secretariat under the theme “More blood more life” with chief secretary Government of Nagaland, Lalthara as the chief guest.
Speaking on the occasion, the chief secretary said the most precious gift in life is the blood, given to others which cannot be bought or replaced by money or any other material. Referring to the crucifixion of Jesus Christ who shed his blood to save the sinners, Thara maintained that we should do good things to others as salvation is based on our contributions to others adding that as human being when we do something good it boost our strength emotionally, mentally, physically and psychologically. By donating blood it will not diminish life but will generate fresh blood making the body healthier. He also lauded NSACS for organizing the event and the blood donors who donated earlier and also the students from different schools who were on the occasion to voluntarily donate blood for creating more life.
Sharing an experience as a regular blood donor, Seketouzo, Headmaster Baptist High said the blood he gave to a person for the first time not only saved the patients’ life but now he is also a government employee, adding that it is a joy in giving blood to both the giver and the receiver. He believed that donating blood is a sign of tithe to God for giving him good health, thereby he voluntarily donates blood which is the joy of life.
Director, NSACS also shared a moment in joy of giving life to others by donating blood. She added that process of blood relation ends in every three months where a person can donate blood after three months. The director also said that since except for Kohima and Dimapur, rest of the district does not have proper facilities for blood storage, however through the initiatives of NACO, blood storage van has been introduced thereby the rest of the district can contact and avail the blood when needed. She encouraged the Red Ribbon Club to initiate and to make public aware of the availability.
Red Ribbon Club of Sazolie College presented special song on the occasion. Meanwhile, in view of the occasion, a painting competition was held under two category, college and higher secondary level. The chief guest did the honor in handing out the certificates to the winners. Ditube Thuilung of Mezhür Higher secondary school emerged as winner in the higher secondary category while Rü-üselie Tacü, Minister Hill Baptist higher secondary school and Samuel Rüpre-o of Baptist College occupied second and third place respectively. In college level, Wekhrope Akami of Japfu Christian College won the competition while Imlitiba Jamir of Baptist College and Longkumjungshi Aier of Kohima College secured second and third position. The programme was followed by blood donation by various voluntary donors.
Donating blood: A mass social movement
DIMAPUR, JUNE 14 (MExN): June 14 is World Blood Donor Day. It is a day dedicated to honouring and thanking the people who donate blood without any remunerative gains in return, at the same time raising awareness of the need for safe blood for transfusion. First observed in 2005, the birthday of Nobel Laureate Karl Landsteiner – “the creator of the ABO blood group system” – was chosen as the date to mark this day. Six years hence it is gaining strength, influencing even remote Nagaland with its noble agenda. The theme for this year is ‘More blood, more life’.
Living up to the theme, the district hospital, Dimapur also held a small programme on Tuesday. The celebration of the day not only ended with the programme, though, for volunteer donors turned up as well. Students, young church members, clubs and ordinary people alike turned up enthusiastically.
Public College of Commerce, Salt Christian College, SM College, Tetso College, Patkai Christian College, Lengrijan CYE, Dipuhupar CYE, Kerala Samajan, Patanjali Yog Samiti, Helpers Club and Youngs’ Club of DImapur were particularly for actively participating in the noble movement.
Dr. Temsu, Medical Officer, incharge, Blood Bank, district Hospital, Dimapur likened blood donation to a mass social movement stating that making available precious blood is everybody’s responsibility. “The basic aim of this day is to give honour and respect to the donors.” He said that the movement is not about reaching a pre-specified target, rather, a continuing journey to maintain a constant supply of blood units. “Blood donation is not about reacting to an emergency; it is about maintaining positive units of blood in the blood bank.” He also made clear that blood available at the blood bank is for everybody. Only Dimapur, Kohima and Mokokchung have functional blood banks at present. Dr. Temsu informed that a total of 7000 units were collected in the state during the year 2010-11. Of this Dimapur contributed 60 percent with 4057 units. He expressed that the concept of donating blood is gaining ground here. During 2007-08, the district hospital’s blood bank could collect 2678 units of blood, now it has increased by nearly two folds. The target for the ensuing year will be to collect 5000-plus units, Dr. Temsu said. He further informed that upgradation of the blood bank to house blood component separation units is going on positively.
The programme was followed up with donors voluntarily staying back to donate blood.
