While donating blood at donation camps organised at Safdarjung Hospital in the national capital today, the minister said, “Donating blood not just fulfils the national requirement but also is a great service to society & humanity."
Accentuating the importance of voluntary blood donation, Union Health Minister said, “Raktdaan Amrit Mahotsav is part of bigger celebrations of Azadi ka Amrit Mahostav. The campaign aims to increase awareness regarding regular non-remunerated voluntary blood donations and ensure that blood or its components (whole blood/ packed red blood cells/plasma/platelets) are available, accessible, affordable and safe."
As per 2021 statistics, India’s annual requirement is around 1.5 crore units. In every two seconds, someone in India needs blood and one out of every three will need blood in a lifetime, he said.
“Despite the technological advancements, there remains no alternative to blood and one unit of blood can save as many as three lives," Mandaviya noted. He also met the donors at the blood donation camp and appreciated their selfless act of donating blood.
The nationwide drive is supported by the centralised blood bank management information system called, E-Rakt Kosh portal, which will act as a national repository of blood donors. This will ensure a robust record of blood donors and will expedite blood availability in times of need.
Mandaviya also released the book “Footprints on the Sands of Time" showcasing contributions of Safdarjung Hospital towards India’s healthcare.
