Sir,

I had come across news items in SOM with the Government appealing to the public to donate blood before taking Covid vaccination in view of the probable blood shortage which might be caused due to vaccination norms.

Inspired by this, I decided to make this gesture of goodwill on the day I went for getting inoculated at one of the premier hospitals in the city. Upon enquiring regarding this at the token counter, the response was slack and I was told to check with the hospital’s blood bank. I was disheartened and demanded why this matter was not given any prominence.

When my concern was brought to the notice of the management staff, one of them took the lead by escorting me and helping me with the procedure. Thereafter things went smoothly and once I was done donating, I was advised to rest for a while during which they arranged for my meals (as it was lunchtime and I had not yet eaten) to be brought up to me without charging for it.

Then, another hospital staff took it up from there and informed me that I would be ushered in through a green corridor without verification and that I would be given vaccination on priority. The whole process took hardly any time and I ended up taking a jab immediately, after which the staff insisted on taking a picture with me so that they could use it as a means to motivate people.

If all the hospitals make an attempt at promoting blood donation before vaccination, we would be successful in getting more youths to take part in this noble act. I believe that proper arrangements and encouraging sign-boards along with emphasis on the priority offered will go a long way in accomplishing the task.

– J. Divya, Mysuru, 6.6.2021

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