ZIRO, 14 Jun: Gyati Takka General Hospital (GTGH) here in Lower Subansiri district, in association with the CRC Hapoli Youth, organised a voluntary blood donation camp on Sunday to mark the World Blood Donor Day under this year’s global campaign slogan, ‘One Drop of Humanity, Give Blood, Save Life!’

During the camp, 15 units of blood, including 3 units of A+, 2 units of B+, 9 units of O+, and 1 unit of AB+, were collected.

Capt Chirag Singhal of the 756 BRTF under Project Arunank of the GREF said that donating blood is one of the purest ways to help others. He said that “blood donation drives like this are crucial to keep public healthcare strong in remote areas.”

On the occasion, local organisers, top donors, and emergency lifeline donors were honoured.

Pyagang Tapu was recognised for consistently donating rare negative blood during crises.

The drive aimed to break the stigma associated with blood donation and show the youths how a simple act can foster empathy and solidarity, the organisers said.

On the occasion of the World Blood Donor Day, a voluntary blood donation camp was organised also by Heema Hospital in Itanagar, in collaboration with Arunachal Life Saving Foundation and RK Mission Hospital, on Sunday.

During the camp, 55 units of blood were collected and transferred to RK Mission Hospital.

Mayor Likha Nari Tadar exhorted the people of the state to come forward and donate blood, saying that blood cannot be manufactured, and that donation is the only way to save lives during emergencies.

Medical Superintendent Dr Kesang W Thongdok said Arunachal needs around l5,000 units of blood annually, but collects only about 13,000 units. “This gap can only be filled by more aggressive blood donation drives,” Dr Thongdok said.

Arunachal Life Saving Foundation chairman Ramesh Jeke spoke on the history of blood donation drives and the efforts made by his organisation to spread awareness and organise blood donation camps in the state.

Jawans from the NDRF and the CRPF, BJYM members, students from DNGC, and staffers of Heema Hospital and RK Mission Hospital participated in the camp.

Heema Hospital CMD Dr Byabang Rana was also present on the occasion. (With DIPRO input)