1 Oct :Following is the statement of Dr. Anbumani Ramadoss, Union Minister for Health & Family Welfare for National Voluntary Blood Donation Day today.
The National Voluntary Blood Donation Day is an important day. On this day every individual has an opportunity to save a life by donating blood. Millions of lives are lost as a consequence of not being able to access safe blood at the right time.
In India we need an estimated 10 million units of blood in a year. Collecting blood is a truly huge challenge. It is for this reason that I appeal to each of you to help us recruit blood donors and collect the required quantity of blood.
The Government of India have taken a number of initiatives to ensure access to safe blood and blood products. Over 1093 blood banks are supported with financial assistance. 85 blood component separation units promote the rational use of blood.
Recently, we have also approved the establishment of 4 metro-blood banks in the metro-cities of Kolkata, Chennai, Mumbai and Delhi having capacity of 1 lakh units of blood per year at a cost of Rs. 450 crore. The State of art blood banks will enhance access to high quality blood throughout the day and throughout the year. Likewise, a fractionation unit will be set up at a cost of Rs.250 crore in order to reduce our dependence on imported plasma derivations and promote the rationale use of blood.
Given the high importance of blood, Government is working on a proposal to establish a National Blood Transfusion Authority, which will ensure safety and quality besides access to safe blood. A draft law is also on the anvil to regulate unscrupulous persons from exploiting patients on this basic need. These important initiatives will go a long way in helping us to achieve global standards in the area of blood collection, process, distribution and use.
All the above can only be possible with the total support of the people especially the youth across the country. I appeal to all youth to come forward and commit themselves to becoming a committed donor of blood.”