From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network
Bengaluru, Mar 19: Chief minister B S Yediyurappa gave the green signal to three mobile blood donation and collection buses of Lions Club International District 317-A in Bengaluru on Friday.
The function was held in Vidhana Soudha.
Yediyurappa lauded the efforts of Lions Club members in the health, education and social service sectors.
Health and family welfare minister Dr K Sudhakar, who is also the minister for medical education, in his speech said social organisations and other voluntary organisations must join hands with the state government to raise public awareness about blood donation.
He said blood donation is considered a very noble thing. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, blood donation has decreased since last year. In times like these social organisations and volunteers should come forward and join hands with the government to increase blood donation camps and initiatives.
The minister pointed out that our nation requires about 4 crore units of blood annually. Even if 1% of our population comes forward to donate blood, it will go a long way in meeting the requirement which is possible by creating awareness about blood donation.
State anticipates second wave
Dr Sudhakar said the state was anticipating a second wave of Covid-19 infection and people need to be cautious.
"We may require more blood during these times. The state government is focusing on improving public health care in the state. PHCs in rural areas will be upgraded and revamped,’’ the minister said.
Lions Club regional head, M S Ramakrishna and other dignitaries were present.
Condolences on deaths of former MLAs
The chief minister has expressed his condolences on the deaths of the two former legislators H T Krishnappa, who was also a former minister, and Valmiki Nayak.
While H T Krishnappa had represented the Nagamagala assembly constituency from the Mandya district, Valmiki Nayak was a BJP MLA from Chittapur in the Kalaburagi district.
Krishnappa had served as the health minister in the Ramakrishna Hegde ministry.
Health and family welfare minister Dr K Sudhakar has also mourned the deaths of the two former legislators.