1 Oct : National Voluntary Blood Donation day was observed today the 1st October 2008 at the State capital Kohima. To mark the occasion a run was organized starting from P.R. Hill to Naga Hospital, Kohima which was flagged off by the Minister for Agriculture, Dr. Chumben Murry at 7 a.m.
Earlier the Minister in his speech said that Blood is not available over the counter and we can only donate the little drops which save life and that for those who seek and for people in need of blood, there is no greater happiness than knowing that someone has cared and given blood. Dr. Chumben requested the media, particularly, to provide more coverage to give awareness to the public because today in our society there is a lot of misconception about the blood donation.
Schools and college students and different ward members and youth took part in the run holding placards like ‘Donate blood, save life’, ‘Your donation, our Survival’, ‘Blood, the group of life’, ‘Save my life through your Blood’. T-shirts were also distributed to all the participants.
Later on, the Governor of Nagaland, K. Sankaranarayanan graced the Blood Donation Day as the Chief Guest at Naga Hospital Authority. K. Sankaranarayanan, speaking on the occasion said that nothing is precious than blood since blood cannot be manufactured in industries but has to be donated. The Governor congratulated blood donors under the National Service Scheme, medical fraternity and students. ‘Blood donation is harmless’, he said while further stating that precautionary measures should also be taken for prevention of diseases like HIV. The Governor also encouraged the people to donate blood and further urged upon the concerned Department to open Blood Bank in all the district headquarters.
Earlier, the Governor released a CD on blood donation by Dr. Vinotsole. Certificates were given away to colleges participating in blood donation like Mount Olive College, Alder College and Sazolie College. The Chief Guest also handed over Rs. 50,000/- to Naga Hospital Authority. Commissioner & Secretary to the Govt. of Nagaland, P. Francis Solo, Deputy Commissioner, Kohima, Sachopra Vero and other government officials also attended the programme. Commissioner & Secretary, Health & Family Welfare, Menukhol John presided over the programme.