Media Release

Mangaluru, Jun 21: Father Muller Medical College Hospital Blood Bank in association with Youth Red Cross Unit, Father Muller Medical College and Catholic Association of South Kanara celebrated World Blood Donors’ Day on Thursday, June 20 at the Hospital Conference Hall.

Dr Kirana Pailoor, in-charge Blood Bank officer and associate professor of Pathology welcomed the gathering and spoke on the significance of the day.

Fr Alwin Serrao, principal, Padua College of Commerce and Management, who has donated blood for about 38 times was the chief guest for the programme. He mentioned that nothing gives more happiness to him than donating blood and it is a spiritual experience. He said he encourages his students and youngsters to come forward to donate blood.

Guest of honour, Rtn PHF C A Shantharam Shetty stated that blood donation is a very important humanitarian act and it saves lives. He requested medical fraternity to donate blood and set an example to encourage the public in this cause. He also laid out the future activities of the Red Cross and was appreciative of the FMMCH Blood Bank unit.

Catholic Association of South Kanara president, Nayana Fernandes and past president Dr Derick Lobo elaborated on the organisations’ association with the Father Muller Institution and the importance of organ and blood donation in the country.

Mementoes and prizes for the judges and the winners of the poster competition held on the June 19, on the theme, ‘Safe blood for all’ was distributed. Fr Richard Coelho, director, Father Muller Charitable Institutions said, “Life is a precious gift of God and it is our duty to save our life and that of others.” He congratulated all the voluntary blood donors and expressed his gratitude towards them. He said that the Father Muller Charitable Institutions is committed to bringing solace to the suffering humanity and they will continue working towards it. He congratulated Blood Bank for their 24X7 hours services.”

Fr Rudolph Ravi D’Sa, administrator, Father Muller Medical College Hospital, Fr Nelson Pais, assistant administrator FMMCH, Dr Jayaprakash Alva, dean, Father Muller Medical College, Nayana Fernandes, president, Catholic Association of South Canara and Dr Derick Lobo, former president of CASK, Dr Jayaprakash C S, HOD Pathology were present for the programme. Around 12 regular voluntary blood donors were felicitated during the programme.