Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha urge people to participate in blood donation drive

Agartala (Tripura) [India], June 17 (ANI): Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha inaugurated a voluntary blood donation camp in Agartala, and urged people to come forward to donate blood, highlighting its significance.

The blood donation camp was organised by the Bharatiya Janata Party workers at Baradwali Aponjon Club on Sunday.

“Maintaining a balance in blood donation and storage is essential, and efforts should be directed towards meeting blood demand with appropriate collection targets. Blood can only be stored for a limited period before it becomes unusable. Therefore, individuals aged 18 to 65 are urged to donate blood voluntarily to save lives,” he said at the camp.

The Chief Minister further affirmed that Tripura government is also prioritising healthcare services for the people, and is implementing initiatives like the Chief Minister’s Jan Arogya Yojana, which is inspired by the Prime Minister’s Jan Arogya Yojana.

Highlighting the importance of voluntary blood donation, the CM Saha recalled the blood shortages faced during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Insufficient blood supply in blood banks posed challenges for doctors and patients. Similar shortages were experienced during elections due to the general public’s preoccupations. To address this, various social organisations, clubs, voluntary organisations, and political entities were urged to participate in blood donation drives,” Dr Saha said.

He also stressed that blood banks should have units amounting to 1 per cent of the state’s total population to ensure sufficient reserves.

“Adequate blood supply is crucial for medical services; shortages can lead to significant difficulties for both healthcare providers and patients. Voluntary blood donation remains irreplaceable, being one of the most noble acts. Many harbour fears about potential health issues from donating blood, but over time, these concerns have diminished. Nowadays, people are more willing to donate blood voluntarily,” CM Saha said.

The Chief Minister encouraged students to participate more in blood donation.

“Individuals aged 18 to 65 can donate blood, and doing so is beneficial as it stimulates the production of new blood cells, helps control blood pressure, and can prevent various diseases. Generally, men can donate blood every three months and women every four months. Blood transcends caste and religion, having no discrimination,” he added.

Providing statistics, the Chief Minister mentioned that Tripura currently has six blood separation centres, four of which are government-operated and two private.

“Additionally, there are 12 government and two private blood banks in the state. Continuous blood supply is needed, particularly for surgeries, anaemia patients, accident victims, and those suffering from thalassemia, among other conditions. These needs can only be met through voluntary blood donation,” he said.

Manik Saha outlined various initiatives by the state government to enhance healthcare services for the people.

BJP State President Rajib Bhattacharya, Agartala Municipal Corporation Mayor and MLA Dipak Majumder, and other notable individuals were present at the event. The Chief Minister toured the blood donation camp, encouraging the voluntary donors.

Later, he also attended another voluntary blood donation camp organised by the Tripura Civil Services Association at their office in Krishnanagar.