Imkongliba Memorial District Hospital in Mokokchung observes World Blood Donor Day, highlighting the need for voluntary donations.
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MOKOKCHUNG — World Blood Donor Day, themed “One drop of humanity: Give blood. Save life" was observed at the Imkongliba Memorial District Hospital in Mokokchung on Sunday.
The programme was attended by medical personnel, nursing students, representatives from People's College, Mokokchung College of Teachers Education, the Red Cross Society, the Mokokchung Voluntary Blood Donors Association, and Assam Rifles personnel.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. H Tsipongchem Sangtam discussed the operations of the hospital's blood centre and the current status of blood supply in Mokokchung.
Dr. Sangtam stated that the blood centre is not yet self-sufficient through voluntary donations, noting that voluntary donors account for only 30 to 40 per cent of the blood collected. The remainder comes from replacement or family donors.
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He pointed out that under Government of India guidelines, blood banks should not rely on replacement donations, and patients should receive blood directly if it is available. However, due to supply limitations, the hospital still relies on replacement donors.
Dr. Sangtam acknowledged regular voluntary donors who have donated multiple times, as well as the support of Assam Rifles personnel during shortages.
According to him, the hospital required over 1,500 units of blood last year but could only supply around 1,200 units due to a lack of donors. He noted that while the eligible youth population is large, most donations from this demographic occur under the replacement or family categories.
He also urged civil society organisations to host more blood donation drives, noting that very few organisations currently do so.
Dr. Sangtam encouraged healthy, eligible individuals to donate regularly rather than waiting for emergencies. He added that because blood cannot be manufactured synthetically, healthcare systems remain entirely dependent on voluntary donations.
“Not only a doctor or nurse can save a person’s life, but even you can save a person’s life by donating your blood,” he said.