Nagaland observes World Blood Donor Day

• 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.
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• Dr. Tiakumzuk Sangtam with participants at Zisaji Presidency College, Kiphire, to observe World Blood Donor Day on Saturday.

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• 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.
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• Speaking on the occasion, he said that approximately 118.5 million blood units are collected annually worldwide.
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• 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.

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• 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.
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• 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.
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• 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.
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• 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.
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• 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.
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• Peren: Peren District observed World Blood Donor Day at CMTC Hall, Jalukie town, with Namdatbou, Councillor of Jalukie Town Council, as special guest.
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• 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.
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• 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.
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• 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.
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• Wokha: A programme observing the day was held at the conference hall of Dr. Motsuo Memorial District Hospital (DMMDH), Wokha, on Saturday.
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• 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.
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• He emphasised the need for greater awareness of blood transfusion, as apprehension, ignorance and misconceptions about blood donation still exist.
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• 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.
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• He expressed his gratitude to all voluntary blood donors and encouraged the younger generation to be more proactive in donating blood to save lives.
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• 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.
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• The programme was organised by District Hospital Phek and DISHA Phek and sponsored by the Nagaland State Blood Transfusion Council.
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• 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.
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• 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.
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• 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.
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• 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.