Officials along with donors during the World Blood Donor Day programme held at the conference hall of the HMDH in Zunheboto on June 14.
Morung Express News
Zunheboto | June 14
World Blood Donor Day was observed at various locations across Nagaland on June 14 with blood donation camps and awareness programmes highlighting the importance of voluntary blood donation and the need to strengthen blood donation networks.
At Zunheboto, Green Club Zunheboto, in collaboration with the Zunheboto District Legal Services Authority (ZDLSA) and Hezukhu Memorial District Hospital (HMDH), organised a programme at the hospital conference hall under the theme "One Drop of Humanity. Give Blood. Save Lives."
Chairing the programme, Green Club Zunheboto president Tavinto Sumi thanked voluntary blood donors for their continued support and sacrifice, describing blood donation as a simple act that has the power to save lives and bring hope to families during emergencies. He pointed out that the absence of a blood bank in Zunheboto makes voluntary donors the district's greatest strength and appealed to more youth to join the donor network.
Medical Officer of Hezukhu Memorial District Hospital, Dr Akaho Sema, described blood as the "gift of life" and stressed the growing demand for blood due to surgeries, accidents, dialysis cases, pregnancy-related complications and other medical conditions. He said healthy individuals can donate blood every three months and noted that blood donation also provides donors with routine health screening, including checks for haemoglobin, blood pressure, HIV, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C.
Dr Sema encouraged citizens to overcome misconceptions about blood donation and embrace it as an act of compassion and social responsibility.
Sharing his experience as a voluntary donor, Vinoka Achumi described blood donation as a safe and rewarding experience and encouraged eligible individuals to become regular donors, noting that blood cannot be manufactured and hospitals depend entirely on voluntary donations.
L Holuto Ayemi, Area Education Officer Sr SDEO Zunheboto, highlighted the urgent need for establishing a blood bank in Zunheboto, stating that such a facility would improve emergency healthcare services and ensure better availability of blood during critical situations.
Green Club Zunheboto member and chaplain H V Achumi Naga appealed to churches, civil society organisations and community leaders to support blood donation drives and awareness campaigns to strengthen the culture of voluntary blood donation.
As part of the observance, voluntary donors were honoured with official Blood Donor Identity Cards issued by Hezukhu Memorial District Hospital in recognition of their selfless contribution and continued support during medical emergencies. The programme concluded with a benediction by hospital chaplain Kivika T Yeptho.
Meanwhile, in Dimapur, the Nagaland Running Club (NRC), in collaboration with the Christian Institute of Health Sciences and Research (CIHSR), organised a blood donation camp at the CIHSR premises to mark the occasion. Members of the club voluntarily donated blood, promoting the message of saving lives through voluntary blood donation.
World Blood Donor Day was also observed at the conference hall of District Hospital Dimapur with participation from representatives of various organisations, students from educational institutions, voluntary blood donors and personnel of the 78th Battalion CRPF, Zubza. Medical Superintendent of District Hospital Dimapur, Dr George Thirah, delivered the vote of thanks and encouraged donors to continue their humanitarian service through voluntary blood donation.
