A district level awareness workshop cum honoring of Blood Donors was organized at Govt. Polytechnic Kangra under the chairmanship of Chief Medical Officer Kangra, Dr Kultar Dogra. A month long awareness campaign on World Blood Donor Awareness Month was launched on 14 June under the aegis of State Blood Transfusion Council. Health Educator Urmil Kapoor and Counselor Meena Kalhan along with local health staff organsied an exhibition on blood donation, HIV and health programmes on this occasion.
Dr Vanita Kapoor Principal Health and Family Welfare Centre Kangra administered a mass pledge to all members of village health and sanitation committees to promote blood donation. Dr Anju Puri Blood Bank Officer Dharamshala appealed to all to come forward in the noble cause. On this occasion Dr V Mahajan Blood Bank Officer Palampur elaborated on importance of blood donation. He added that any health person between the age of 18-60 having weight of 45 kg can donate blood. The slogan of this year’s campaign is more blood more life.
Dr RK Sood district AIDS Programme Officer stated that there are 52 Red Ribbon Clubs (RRC) in educational institutions in the district which work for creating a mass movement on HIV awareness and promoting voluntary non-remunerated blood donation among youth. Kangra Polytechnic is among the leading the RRCs in the district. CMO Kangra Dr Kultar Dogra told that blood storage centres will be opened in the district. He also shared information about various health programmes like 108, Matri Seva Yojna and TB, HIV control Programme. He also stressed on the importance of knowing one’s status in Integrated Counseling Testing centres of the Govt Hospitals. Dr RK Rana TB Officer, Dr Suman Saxena Family Planning officer, Dr Shashi I/C Eye programme, BMO Shahpur Dr Mohan Chauhan were also present on the occasion.
Blood bank Society Palampur and Blood Bank Dharamshala were also honoured for their contribution towards blood banking. 10 top donors of the district were given token of regards in recognition of their service to society. Ajay Dogra who donated 78 times told that he made it a point to donate blood every three months and implored on all to follow suit. Ensuring availability f safe blood will go a long way in reducing maternal mortality and achieving the vision of NRHM.
