DIMAPUR/KIPHIRE —
World Blood Donor Day was commemorated across Nagaland on Saturday on the
global theme, “Give blood, give hope: Together we save lives”, with events held
in multiple districts to promote voluntary blood donation and honour donors for
their life-saving contributions.
Dr. Tiakumzuk Sangtam with participants at Zisaji Presidency
College, Kiphire, to observe World Blood Donor Day on Saturday.
Kiphire: The District Integrated Strategy for HIV AIDS
(DISHA) unit of Kiphire observed the day at Zisaji Presidency College
Auditorium, with Dr. Tiakumzuk Sangtam, pathologist at District Hospital
Kiphire, as resource person.
Speaking on the occasion, he said that approximately 118.5
million blood units are collected annually worldwide.
He presented the importance of blood donation, clinical uses
of blood, the donation process, types of blood donors, eligibility criteria,
and benefits of blood donation through a PowerPoint presentation.
Suresh Thapa, youth pastor of the Nepali Baptist Church in
Kiphire town, shared his experience, saying he has donated blood 13 times so
far, sometimes every three to six months, without feeling weak or ill.
He said that the blood of Jesus has saved everyone and
encouraged the gathering not to hesitate to donate blood so that they may
fulfil God’s task on earth by saving lives.
Mon: In Mon, the day was observed at the District Hospital
Mon’s conference hall, sponsored by Nagaland State Transfusion Control and
organised by the district hospital in collaboration with Mon District Voluntary
Blood Donation Association (MDVBDA) and DISHA.
Guest speaker Wennyei Konyak, Deputy Commissioner of Mon,
gave a brief account of his experience giving blood and how it helped save a
life. He encouraged all participants who have not yet donated to do so,
congratulated all donors, and thanked them for saving lives.
Resource person Dr. Ponwang K, Medical Officer and in charge
of the blood bank at District Hospital Mon, delivered a PowerPoint presentation
on the concept of blood donation, medical aspects of blood, donor eligibility
criteria, pre- and post-donation procedures, myths and facts, storage and
distribution, and the value of blood donation.
Peren: Peren District observed World Blood Donor Day at CMTC
Hall, Jalukie town, with Namdatbou, Councillor of Jalukie Town Council, as
special guest.
Speaking on the occasion, Namdatbou encouraged the Peren
District Voluntary Blood Donors Association and the Indian Red Cross Society to
disseminate information about blood donation and blood safety up to the village
level.
Dr Hedungkiebe, Senior Medical Officer at District Hospital
Peren and Chairman of the Indian Red Cross Society (Nagaland), Jalukie Sub
Division Branch, spoke on basic blood science, while Dr. Ramheigum, Medical
Officer at FIARTC Community Health Centre (CHC), Jalukie, spoke on the
importance of blood donation.
Rev Fr Francis, Principal of St Xavier College Jalukie,
encouraged students to take a bold step by donating blood and saving lives. He
further urged attendees to keep their bodies safe for donation.
Wokha: A programme observing the day was held at the conference
hall of Dr. Motsuo Memorial District Hospital (DMMDH), Wokha, on Saturday.
Delivering the welcome address, Dr. Mhonchan N Kithan,
Medical Superintendent of DMMDH Wokha, urged the public to come forward for
voluntary blood donation, as it plays a major role in saving lives during
medical emergencies.
He emphasised the need for greater awareness of blood
transfusion, as apprehension, ignorance and misconceptions about blood donation
still exist.
Dr. Nzanthung Lotha, Senior Medical Officer and pathologist
at DMMDH Wokha, briefed participants on the function of blood in the body,
different blood groups, eligibility criteria for blood donation, and the
benefits of donating blood.
He expressed his gratitude to all voluntary blood donors and
encouraged the younger generation to be more proactive in donating blood to
save lives.
Phek: The day was observed in Phek with Dr. Temsulong
Pongene, senior specialist (psychiatrist) at District Hospital Phek, as guest
speaker at Dr. Wethselo Memorial Hall, District Hospital Phek.
The programme was organised by District Hospital Phek and
DISHA Phek and sponsored by the Nagaland State Blood Transfusion Council.
Dr. Pongene highlighted in his speech that blood donation is
essential, as it saves lives; there is no substitute for human blood, and every
three seconds someone needs blood. He also cleared up myths, stating there are
no side effects from donating blood, although first-time donors may feel dizzy
for a few minutes.
He stressed points such as who can donate blood, how much
blood is taken during donation, and how often one can donate. He informed
participants that from April 2024 to May 2025, a total of 142 donors gave blood
at District Hospital Phek, of whom 134 were male and eight female.
Col Iqbal Singh Dhillon (39th Assam Rifles), in his short
speech, spoke about the importance of donating blood as a noble and selfless
act that helps save lives.
Sekho Veswu, Assistant Education and Statistical Secretary
of PTCSU, encouraged participants in his speech to make this programme not just
an event but a movement.
