Blood Donation Day observed at CRPF Zubza

Voluntary Blood Donors Association Nagaland, in collaboration with the Blood Centre, Naga Hospital Authority Kohima (NHAK), observed National Voluntary Blood Donation Day on October 1 at the CRPF camp, Zubza, under the theme “Give Blood, Give Hope: Together We Save Lives.”
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Avila Sangtam, M.D., Transfusion Medicine, NHAK, highlighted the importance of voluntary blood donation, especially for patients such as infants, cancer patients and those suffering from severe bleeding. She explained that while red blood cells have a shelf life of 35 to 42 days, platelets last only five days. She also informed that the mandatory gap between donations is two months for men and four months for women.
Dr. Avila further stated that blood donation benefits donors as well, with each donor undergoing a basic health screening including blood pressure, hemoglobin levels and tests for infections such as HIV 1 & 2, Hepatitis and Malaria. She encouraged all to experience the emotional reward of saving lives through blood donation.
The programme was chaired by Vincent Yhome, Technical Supervisor, NHAK, with welcome address by Dr. TY Singh, Medical Officer, 78 Battalion CRPF. Introductory remarks by Dr. Sangita Mary Rajah, Chief Medical Officer (SG) and Commandant, while vote of thanks was proposed by Akhale Vizol Khamo, secretary, Indian Red Cross Society.
The event concluded with a pledge led by S.H. R.V. Philip to support blood donation. A total of 21 CRPF personnel donated blood during the programme.