June 24, 2011
Health Sciences Campus, Kochi
World Blood Donors Day is observed globally on June 14 every year. This is observed in honor of the millions of people around the world who donate blood, thus giving the precious gift of life.
The theme for this year’s World Blood Donors Day, More Blood More Life, was meant to not only encourage more voluntary blood donations, but also highlight safety issues so as to eliminate the risk of acquired diseases such as AIDS, hepatitis, etc.
A week-long blood donation campaign at the Health Sciences campus successfully concluded on June 22, 2011 with hundreds pledging to donate blood in order to save human lives.
The week saw many students and staff members voluntarily come up, register and donate blood at the campus Blood Bank.
The campaign was organized by the Amrita Blood Collectors and Donors (ABCD) Forum, which has pioneered and inspired voluntary blood donations by many at this campus.
“There is a constant need for blood, no matter what the medical emergency,” stated Mr. Akhil, student representative of the ABCD Forum. “Receiving it at the right place and at the right time makes all the difference.”
“Helping this happen, the Amrita Blood Collectors and Donors Forum strives to make the donation of blood, safe and efficient,” he added.
Several others also spoke at the closing ceremony organized to mark the culmination of the blood donation drive.
“We appreciate the noble act of our young students and staff members, whose donation can help save the lives of the needy and the poor,” stated Bri. Karunamrita Chaitanya. “Our students have set an example of love, by donating their blood.”
Honorable MLA, Adv. V. D. Satheesan, Chief Guest, spoke about the importance of blood donation.
“Compared to olden times, awareness among people regarding the importance of blood donation is now increasing,” he noted. “I remember, during our college days, availing the services of a blood donor was the most difficult task, due to several misconceptions. Now times have changed and more people are ready to donate blood.”
Dr. Prem Nair, Medical Director, highlighted that transfusion-related infections are unheard of, when using the Amrita Blood Bank services.
“We have set up a component separation program and also a very meticulous quality controlled blood testing program to eliminate any infectious agents present in the blood of the donors,” he stated.
ABCD Forum was formed in 2004 to reach out to a wider audience and advocate the importance of donating blood. Since then, this student-run organization has organized many programs and activities.
“Our forum has been recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a leading student movement,” proudly shared the organizers. “Today we celebrate the completion of seven successful years of safe blood donation.”
