Agartala, June 14: In observance of World Blood Donor Day, Tripura Chief Minister and Health Minister Manik Saha inaugurated the state’s first Blood Collection and Transportation van dedicated to the remote Dhalai district, an aspirational district in the state.
During the event, Chief Minister Saha also launched a calendar detailing planned blood donation drives by various NGOs, clubs, security forces, and other organizations.
He praised these initiatives for their crucial role in saving countless lives during times of crisis.
Saha expressed concerns over the recurring blood shortages, particularly during festival seasons, elections, and pandemics.
He emphasized that the newly launched blood donation calendar, alongside the involvement of socio-cultural organizations and clubs, could help mitigate these shortages by organizing regular blood donation camps.
The ceremony, attended by Health Secretary Kiran Gitte and other senior officials, included the flagging off of the new Blood Collection and Transportation van, which was procured at a cost of approximately half a crore rupees.
Saha announced plans to procure more such vehicles to enhance the state’s healthcare infrastructure a d also visited a blood donation camp in the Rabindra Satabarshiki Bhavan premises.
Tripura currently operates 14 blood banks, including two private facilities, requiring around 50,000 blood units annually.
The introduction of the new state of the art van is expected to significantly improve blood collection and transportation services in the state.
World Blood Donor Day, celebrated on June 14, aims to thank voluntary, unpaid blood donors for their life-saving contributions and to raise awareness about the need for safe blood. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the celebration, themed “20 years of celebrating giving: thank you blood!”
