NE HEALTH BUREAU
CHENNAI, AUG 16
Fortis Hospital, Vadapalani along with Nourishment for the Needy, an NGO, organized a day-long Blood Donation Camp on Monday, the 75th Independence Day, at the former’s facilty in Vadapalani. The event was graced by Social Activist and MDMK Chief Secretary Thiru Durai Vaiyapuri as Chief Guest and Venkat Phanidhar Nelluri, Zonal Director, Fortis Hospitals, and witnessed participation of 100 donors.
Safe blood saves lives. Blood is the most precious gift that anyone can give to another person – the gift of life. A decision to donate blood can save a life, or even several if the blood is separated into its components – red cells, platelets, and plasma. Every pint of your blood can save the life of up to 3 people, improve their lives, and enhances social solidarity. It sends a powerful message of mutual aid and brings about a societal commitment. For healthy adults, blood donation is not only safe, but also provides a sense of belonging and pride.
Although many patients requiring transfusion they do not have timely access to safe blood. This blood donation drive is aimed to encourage the youth and instill the sense of responsibility among them. There is a dearth for blood because of the fear of infection among donors. To avoid this kind of a situation in future, Fortis Hospital urges the youth to volunteer to donate blood.
Gracing the occasion, Venkat Phanidhar Nelluri, Zonal Director, Fortis Hospitals, Vadapalani said, “Shortage of blood is a serious concern. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), India suffers from an annual deficit of 2 million blood units. This is because only 1% of Indian population donates blood each year. Every life is important, healthy donors are even more important and one needs to understand the urgency of saving lives by donating blood. As a healthcare provider, we should be at the forefront of awareness drive and campaigns to educate the masses especially the youth on the importance of blood donation in our Tamil Nadu and the nation”.
Speaking at the blood donation camp, the organizers from Nourishment for Needy, RV Satheesh Kumar, Director Programme added, “The blood donation camps are conducted periodically to ensure that as many lives as possible are saved. A sense of moral responsibility in creating a healthy community is established among those who are committed to save lives. Every camp encourages first timers, youth, and students to be a donor for a lifetime. On this Independence Day, where we pay homage to our freedom fighters, it is important that the donors are also given recognition”.
To register to become a blood donor, call 044 4020 4040.
