ITANAGAR, 15 Jun: The State Blood Transfusion Council (SBTC), along with 14 blood centres across the state, observed the World Blood Donor Day 2026 by honouring donors and organising voluntary blood donation camps with the theme ‘One Drop of Humanity. Give Blood. Save Lives’.

A total of 342 units of blood were collected from 13 camps.

Bakin Pertin General Hospital, Pasighat, in East Siang district recorded the highest collection with 78 units, followed by RKMH (55 units), GH Tezu (49 units), TRIHMS (39 units), DH Roing (32 units), DH Daporijo (16 units), GTGH Ziro (15 units), KDSDH Tawang (14 units), DH Longding (12 units), GH Bomdila (12 units), GH Aalo (10 units), and DH Yingkiong (10 units).

The state-level celebration was organised at Amik Rinya Hall in Tezu in Lohit district, where the highest blood donors from the state and district level were honoured with certificates and mementoes.

Dr Ogin Jerang and Gagam Badu, who have donated blood 18 times each, were felicitated as the highest individual donors, along with James Siram (16 times), Maluk Romin (15 times),  Reter Gankak (11 times), and  Hebom Ngomdir Basar, who represented female donors with 4 donations.

Adviser to the Health Minister, Dr Mohesh Chai and Lohit ZPC Basanlu Dellang handed over the certificates and mementoes to the donors.

Addressing the gathering, Dr Chai highlighted the importance of maintaining adequate blood stocks in health facilities.

SBTC Deputy Director Dr Joram Khopey highlighted the state’s blood transfusion scenario and emphasised the need to involve local populace in voluntary blood donation. Dr Khopey also underscored the role of women in the blood donation and motivation movement.

He urged potential blood donors to refrain from unhealthy habits and come forward to donate blood to save lives.

Lohit DC Kesang Ngurup Damo, AYANG Foundation chairperson Aini Taki Taloh, Lohit DMO Dr CL Manchay, and Tezu ZPM Baplalum Chiba were present on the occasion, and motivated the donors, highlighting the importance of blood donation.

Jawans from the Indian Army and the ITBP, members of the Galo Welfare Society, All Mishmi Women Society, Mahila Morcha and Tamaan Jumpa LAMPS, besides students, officials and staff from Zonal General Hospital, Tezu and blood centre participated in the programme.

A cultural programme highlighting the essence of blood donation was presented by students of VKV Tezu.