Jaipur: The state health department is stepping up efforts to bring young people into the voluntary blood donation network as blood banks report a growing shortage amid rising demand.The campaign, linked to the National Voluntary Blood Donation Day Fortnight from Sept 17 to Oct 2, has been extended to maximise blood donation camps across the state, with a special focus on increasing youth participation through National Cadet Corps units, higher education institutions, MY Bharat volunteers, youth organisations and other youth-led groups.
Youth blood donation
This year’s slogan is “One Drop of Humanity. Give Blood. Save Lives.” The state govt will continue the voluntary blood donation campaign till Oct 17.Officials said pressure on blood banks has increased as the department is providing blood to pregnant women without requiring replacement donations.The campaign will also continue on Gandhi Jayanti on Oct 2, with voluntary and non-governmental organisations, including the Indian Red Cross Society and Akhil Bharatiya Terapanth Yuvak Parishad, supporting awareness, mobilisation and blood donation camps.All blood collection centres have been directed to update real-time data on the Blood Centres Management System and e-Raktkosh portal and ensure compliance with the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission. Details of pledges are also to be entered on e-Raktkosh or maintained as institutional records.At the gram panchayat level, oath-taking ceremonies and awareness activities will be organised to honour blood donors and address misconceptions about blood donation in rural areas.Blood group testing facilities will be made available, as far as possible, at PHCs, CHCs, sub-district and district hospitals, medical college-affiliated blood centres and other blood centres from Sept 17 to Oct 17 to support emergency donation readiness.
