Media Release
Udupi, Oct 1: "There is no substitute for human blood in the world. Every drop of blood is valuable, and it cannot be artificially created. Every eligible person should develop a sense of service and come forward to donate blood voluntarily," said Udupi DC Dr K Vidyakumari.
She was speaking at the inauguration of a voluntary blood donation camp and a felicitation program for donors, held today at the Buddha Ayurveda Auditorium, Manipal Institute of Ayurveda Medical Sciences. The event was jointly organized by the district administration, Zilla Panchayat, District Health and Family Welfare Department, District AIDS Prevention and Control Unit, District Hospital Blood Bank, Rotary Club, National Service Scheme (NSS), Muniyalu Institute of Ayurveda Medical Sciences, Adarsh College of Nursing, Udupi Sri Dhanvantari College of Nursing, Adarsh College of Allied and Paramedical Sciences, HPR Institute of Nursing and Paramedical Sciences, and Lions Club Udupi Lakshya, on the occasion of National Voluntary Blood Donation Day.
"Many individuals in society lose their lives due to the unavailability of blood at the right time. By donating blood, one can save the precious lives of those in need. It's important to recognize and encourage each blood donor by honoring them, motivating them to continue this noble cause," Dr Vidyakumari stated.
She further added that there is no shortage of blood donors in the district, and so far, the district has not faced any blood shortages. In fact, during times of shortage in neighboring districts, blood is transported from Udupi. She called upon the youth to understand the importance of blood donation and take the initiative to donate blood voluntarily.
Dr Satyanarayana Bhat, principal of the Muniyalu Institute of Ayurveda Medical Sciences, presided over the event. He emphasized that students should cultivate the habit of voluntary blood donation at the college level itself, as it contributes to better health.
Program implementation officer Dr Chidananda Sanju delivered the opening remarks.
On this occasion, frequent blood donors Anitha D'Souza, Mohit Perduru, Sweety J Fernandes, Dinesh Kanchan, Sukesh Kharvi, and Purushotham Shetty were honored for their contributions.
A total of 175 units of blood were collected during the camp.
The event was attended by Dr IP Gadad, district health and family welfare officer; Dr H Ashok, district surgeon; Dr Veena Kumari, blood bank medical officer; Sudina M, principal of Adarsh College of Nursing; Prof Ravikumar TN, principal of Sri Adarsh College of Allied and Paramedical Sciences; Divyashree, principal of HPR Institute of Nursing and Paramedical Sciences; Udayakumar, administrator of Udupi Dhanvantari College of Nursing; Raghunath Nayak, president of Lions Club Udupi Lakshya; Dr Navaneeth KP, NSS nodal officer; college faculty, students, and others.
Event coordinator Mahabaleshwar BM welcomed the gathering, NSS nodal officer Dr Ashith R compered the event, and Prof Dr Madhavi proposed the vote of thanks.