Raipur (thestates.news) | The Blood Centre of Jawahar Lal Nehru Hospital and Research Centre (JLNH&RC) under SAIL-Bhilai Steel Plant is observing World Blood Donor Day 2025 with a series of initiatives from 13th to 14th June 2025 aimed at promoting voluntary blood donation and ensuring the availability of safe blood for all. This year’s global theme, “Give blood, give hope: together we save lives”, underscores the lifesaving impact of blood donation. A total of 34 units of blood was collected on this occasion.
Shri BK Giri, ED (Mines), inaugurated the Voluntary Blood Donation Camp at the JLNH&RC Blood Centre on 13th June 2025. He was joined by Dr M Ravindranath, ED (Medical and Health Services), along with Dr Kaushlendra Thakur, Dr Vineeta Dwivedi, Dr Uday Kumar, and Dr Sourav Mukherjee, Chief Medical Officers (M&HS).
Following the inauguration, Shri Giri himself donated blood voluntarily, encouraging other senior officials, CMOs, and members of the JLNH&RC collective to join the noble cause. The camp focused on maximising participation and registrations of voluntary blood donors, thereby reinforcing the message of selfless contribution to society.
Addressing the gathering, Shri BK Giri lauded the efforts of the Blood Centre and Pathology Department in actively promoting the voluntary blood donation drive. Emphasising the value of every single unit of donated blood, he said, “What may seem like a small act becomes a massive contribution towards humanity.” He further invoked the cultural ethos of the nation, stating, “In Indian tradition, Daan (donation) is held in the highest regard. Raktdaan (blood donation) is indeed Mahadaan, a supreme form of giving.” Reflecting on the recent tragic aeroplane accident in Ahmedabad, Shri Giri remarked, “Incidents like these are stark reminders of how fragile life is. In such emergencies and for numerous patients in critical need, blood donation becomes a vital lifeline.”
Also present on the occasion were senior consultants from the Pathology and Transfusion Medicine departments, including Dr Manisha Kango, ACMO (M&HS – Pathology); Dr Nily S Kujur, ACMO (M&HS) & In-charge, Blood Centre; Dr Raju Bhaisaare, Consultant (Pathology); Dr Gurmeet Singh, Deputy CMO (Pathology); Dr Priya Sahu, Senior Consultant (Pathology); Dr Prateek Shivappa, Consultant (Pathology); and Dr Deepak Dashmohapatra, Consultant (Transfusion Medicine).
World Blood Donor Day, observed every year on 14th June, is a global initiative by the World Health Organization (WHO) to raise awareness about the need for safe blood and to thank voluntary, unpaid blood donors for their life-saving contributions. The day serves as a reminder that blood donation is a selfless act that saves millions of lives each year, supports medical and surgical procedures, and strengthens healthcare systems. Each year, a specific theme highlights the importance of solidarity, hope, and community participation in ensuring blood availability worldwide. (S-PIB)
