To enable timely availability during crucial hours

Mysore/Mysuru: The city observed National Voluntary Blood Donation Day (observed on Oct. 1 every year) with over 60 volunteers donating blood at Jeevadhara Blood Bank on Sayyaji Rao Road, during the blood donation camp organised by the city’s Raktadana Mahadana Go Bhakta Sanghatane Trust in association with Terapanth Yuvaka Parishat and Mysuru Haemophilia Society on Sunday.

Speaking after inaugurating the camp, Dr. S.K. Mittal said that youths must voluntarily come forward for blood donation. Maintaining that blood donation is one of the noblest donations, he said that everyone should realise that donation of their blood would save the lives of others who need it most in critical times.

Pointing out that there are many donors in Mysuru who voluntarily come forward for blood donation in any part of the district or the State for that matter, Dr. Mittal said that it is satisfactory to note that many youths of today are volunteering for blood donation.

Stating that the people must be educated on the advantages of blood donation, he said that at the same time, it is important to eradicate wrong perceptions among the people about blood donation.

Lauding the role of Blood Bank Officers and doctors in saving priceless lives, he said that Jeevadhara Blood Bank is known for creation of a friendly atmosphere, which is crucial for attracting blood donors.

Jeevadhara Blood Bank Centre Director Girish said that the centre will start a register of donors from rare blood groups shortly thus enabling timely supply of blood during crucial hours.

Asserting that the proposed register would be the first of its kind in South India that documents the donors of rare and very rare blood groups, Girish said this is being done to save precious time in blood supplies.

Explaining the categorisation of blood groups, he said that the donors will also be classified under the place they belong to. To begin with, donors of negative blood groups will be categorised and subsequently, 23 rare blood groups and 26 very rare blood groups will be classified along with their phenotypes, Girish said and added that the process of documentation of rare blood donors has already begun.

Kailashchand and Muthanna, members of different organisations, former Corporator M.D. Parthasarathy, Go Bhakta Trust President Devendra Parihariya, Vikas Rathod, Terapanth Yuvaka Parishat President Dinesh Dak, Parisara Jagruti President Dr. Mahendra Singh Kalappa and others were present.