Mysore: Over 1,200 employees of J.K. Tyre and Industries donated blood at the mega blood donation camp organised as part of World Blood Donor Day held at its auditorium on Mysuru-KRS Road here on Thursday.

With an aim to create awareness among people on the significance of donating blood and also help overcome shortage at Blood Banks, Jeevadhara Blood Bank, Mysuru, Swamy Vivekananda Voluntary Blood Bank, Lions Blood Bank and other centres conducted this camp.

Speaking on the occasion, Girish of Jeevadhara Blood Bank said that any healthy adult who is between 18 and 60 years of age with a minimum weight of 50 kilograms can donate blood. This is must to address the shortage.

Positive types of blood is always in demand. Positive blood group donors must register their names in all Blood Banks which would help patients in need during emergencies. He said many are reluctant to donate blood, which leads to death of needy patients, due to myths related to blood donation in India.

“One unit of blood can save more than three lives. More campaigns and awareness drives are needed to bust such myths and improve the number of people coming forward as a volunteer blood donor. Donating blood also keeps a person healthy. Go ahead and save lives,” he said.

In his address, Vikram Hebbar of J.K. Tyre and Industries said that there is an urgent need to make people aware of the importance of blood donation to bridge the gap between the requirement and the shortfall.

“Majority of women in the country are anaemic. In all, 70 percent of the women suffer from haemoglobin deficiency. Pregnant women must consume nutritious food during their pregnancy period as most of them suffer from anaemic problems during their delivery,” he added.

Dr. B.H. Manjunath of Jeevadhara Blood Bank appreciated J.K. Tyre and Industries employees for coming forward to donate blood in a large scale. Apart from students, youths, people of various walks of life are also coming forward to donate blood in recent years.

“Donating blood keeps one healthier as the body gets purified and increases chances of regeneration of fresh blood cells. If every person starts donating blood voluntarily, no one will have to arrange for blood,” he said.

As many as 16 employees donated blood for the 30th time at the camp.

J.K. Industries’ Eshwar Rao, Anil K. Sharma, Pramod B. Patil, Rajeev Kumar and others were present.