In last eight years, awareness for blood donation has recorded rise. There is an increase of 35,373 blood donors in the state when last eight years are compared. In year 2010-11 the blood donors were 52,694 which has now increased to 88,067 blood donors in year 2017-18, said Commissioner, Health, R Prasanna while releasing the data regarding the public awareness on occasion of National Voluntary Blood Donation Day, celebrated on October 1 every year. The day is celebrated to emphasise on the need and importance of blood in the life of an individual.
Project Director, Chhattisgarh State AIDS Control Committee Dr R R Sahani said that massive publicity is being done to create awareness among the public at large. An appeal is also made for donating the blood along with citing the importance and its need. Earlier, people had many misconceptions regarding the blood donation due to which they did not come forward to donate blood. But, with positive steps, now they are coming forward.
Dr Sahani adds the blood donation facilities are being extended at Medical Colleges and district hospitals of state. On any day, interested persons can arrive and donate the blood at these centres. He said there are many people who have donated blood from 50 to 100 times also. They also act as motivators for others. Doctor said that by donating on unit of blood, four patients can be saved.
Dr Sahani said that in 50 government colleges ‘Red Ribbon Clubs’ have been constituted. On October 1, in all the government blood banks, blood donation camps are organised.