Social worker Aini Taloh, Ramesh Jeke and Mepe Ete were feted with the first 'Golden Donor Card'  launched by the Health department to honour individuals who have voluntarily donated blood 26 times and above. This is indeed a befitting way to show our gratitude to such exemplary blood donors on World Blood Donor Day which is celebrated annually on June 14.

 

 

Blood shortage is a chronic problem in the country and this writer has a first-hand account of how bad the scenario is in Arunachal. A few years ago, an acquaintance in need of emergency surgery  was put on hold because of the lack of blood at the state’s premier hospital, TRIHMS. When all seemed bleak, a young volunteer turned up, a member of Arunachal Yuva Shakti and he along with his friends donated the life-saving fluid. This editorial is a salute to the countless silent volunteers who are helping save precious lives without any hesitation. The great humanitarian service they are rendering cannot be expressed in words.

 

 

 

In recent times, voluntary blood donation in the state has gained momentum. However, much to the dismay, the noble gesture is rendered meaningless with blood banks in private and government run hospitals in shambles. There is neither proper infrastructure nor trained manpower to manage blood bank in a scientific way. As per last data accessed, Arunachal has only 13 blood banks in various district headquarters and even out of this paltry number— only few are functioning properly.  Much stress is laid on voluntary blood donation, however, equal if not more focus must be on making blood banks more efficient. Given the present state, blood banks are in no position to handle large units of blood which consequently will lead to spoilage.

 

All said, the State Blood Transfusion Council must be commended for improving Blood Centres across the state and increase in the quantum of blood collection in the state in recent years. As the call for more voluntary blood donations grow to meet the actual demand, so should government focus be on upgradation and opening of more facilities.