Hazaribag: In a testament to service and dedication, Hazaribag’s Nirmal Jain, 65, completed his 100th blood donation on Wednesday, marking a journey spanning over four decades.Jain, who has been donating blood for 45 years and is locally known as ‘blood man’, achieved the feat during a camp at the govt-run Sheikh Bhikhari Medical College and Hospital (SBMCH). His milestone highlights his unwavering commitment to saving lives and promoting blood donation across Jharkhand.The blood bank of SBMCH has recorded that Jain has helped more than 2 lakh people by organising blood donation camps, with efforts to consistently ensure availability of units for children suffering from thalassaemia.Jain told STOI, “I have not suffered from even a minor illness nor have I taken any kind of medicine for donating blood. From early morning till late night, I continue to receive calls for blood. My efforts have always been able to make blood available to the needy.”Jain said that his work started with a simple yet life-changing incident. “Seeing a crowd gathered outside a pathology lab in Hazaribag for a woman in urgent need of blood, I was struck by the hesitation among people from donating. I had stepped in then to donate blood for the first time,” he said.He also visits different places to organise blood donation camps. There are around 300 thalassaemia-affected children in Hazaribag district, who require blood transfusion one to four times every month. Jain said he has taken the responsibility of ensuring regular blood supply for these children.Jain’s contributions have earned him multiple recognitions, including from the governor, ministers, MPs, MLAs, and various govt and non-govt organisations.He is also a member of the Jharkhand AIDS Control Society’s blood bank operational panel. Jain is the president of the Voluntary Blood Donors Association and is also associated with the Red Cross Society.Deputy superintendent of SBMCH, Dr Anukaran Purti, said, “Jain’s work should be an inspiration for all.”
