Mangaluru : Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officer P I Srividya said blood donation erases the barriers of caste and community and provides an opportunity to create harmony in the society.

She was speaking at World Blood Donor Day programme organised by the district unit of Indian Red Cross Society (IRCS) at RAPCC in Mangaluru on Tuesday.

She said blood donation is a voluntary process and should not be considered as a business. “Donation of blood holds much significance as one unit of blood can save three lives. There is a misconception that blood donation has an adverse impact on health of donors,” she said.
Srividya called upon the people to come forward and donate blood.

She said one of the reasons for maternity deaths is the shortage of blood. The problem of non-availability of blood is faced on many such occasions, she stated.

She said there is a need to create awareness on safe transfusion of blood.

District Medical Officer and District Surgeon Dr H R Rajeshwari Devi said plans are on to set up a mobile blood bank and a blood transfusion centre at the district Wenlock hospital by next year.

In his welcome address, IRCS Blood Bank Chairman Dr Sushil Jathanna said the helpline number 0824-2424788 for inquiry on availability of blood, was launched on Tuesday morning, on the premises of Lady Goschen Hospital, during the blood donation camp. He felt for a need to create awareness on blood donation among the people.

Donors who donated blood maximum number of times — Karunakara M H (55 times), P Hariprasad (46 times), Rohan John D’Silva (36 times), Yogish Poojary (24 times) and Sandeep (21 times) — were felicitated on the occasion.

Also, the organisations which associated IRCS in conducting blood donation camps, were given mementos.

Later, speaking to media persons, IRCS DK Blood Bank Chairperson Dr Sushil Jathanna said the blood bank will soon launch a mobile app to connect young generation with its network.

Stating that the app will be launched within a few weeks, he said the app is expected to attract young generation towards blood donation.

“Plans are also on the anvil to reach the youth through social media like Facebook and Whatsapp groups,” he said.

IRCS DK District Chairman Shantharam, Blood Bank Vice Chairman Dr Shantharam Baliga and District Surveillance Officer and IRCS Secretary Dr Rajesh were present.