A function was organized at Ispat General Hospital of SAIL, Rourkela Steel Plant (RSP) on 14th June to mark the “World Blood Donors Day”. Dr. Jayanta Achaya, CMO In-charge (M&HS) graced the occasion as the Chief Guest and inaugurated the programme. Dr. R R Mohanty, CMO and Dr. Prativa Sadangi, CMO were the Guests of Honour. The other distinguished guests included Dr. Aruna Mukti Minz, Deputy CMO and HOD (Pathology), Mr. Bishnu Mohan Mishra, President (Astha- The Faith), Mr. Motilal Mohanta, Managing Trustee (Jeevan Jyoti) and Mr. Alok Jena, General Secretary (Astha-The Faith). The function was attended by several Seniors Doctors, Senior Officers of the Plant, staff of IGH and volunteers from social organisations.
The programme commenced with lighting of the ceremonial lamp by the dignitaries and paying rich tributes to Dr. Karl Landsteiner who had developed the modern system of classification of blood groups.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Acharya highlighted the way each donation provides hope to patients and their families bringing about solidarity and compassion. He thanked the blood donors for rendering valuable service towards the mankind and urged all to encourage young donors to become repeat donors.
In her key note address Dr. Aruna Mukti Minz discussed the importance of Blood Donation, Role of IGH, statistics related to blood donation in the last year, the initiatives of Blood transfusion Centre and the challenges faced
Dr. Pankaj Kumar Das, Consultant (Blood Transfusion Centre – IGH), elaborated on this years’ theme that is ‘Give Blood, Give Hope: Together we save lives”. It underlined the life-saving impact of voluntary blood donation and the collective responsibility of communities to support those in need.
Other Chief Medical Officers also thanked the Blood donors for contributing in this noble cause. During the function Dr Acharya felicitated Nursing Training Institute, Fire Services Department amd Sadbhawna Lakhe Ghar Samaj, Rourkela for becoming the highest Blood Donor Departments and agencies of the year. Students who won the debate competitions organised earlier were also awarded on the occasion .
At the outset Mr. Bishnu Mohan Mishra welcomed the gathering. The function concluded with a formal vote of thanks by Mr. Alok Jena.
This was followed by a week long Blood Donation Camp that is being carried out at Blood Transfusion Centre of IGH. The camp is being jointly organised by Blood Transfusion Centre, IGH, Astha – The Faith’ and Jeevan Jyoti Social Service organisations. Certificates of recognition and mementoes are being presented to each of the donors. 22 units of blood were collected on the 1st day of the camp.
