World Blood Donor Day

(14th June)
 Programme by Blood Transfusion Council,
Maharashtra State
in observance of World Blood Donor Day (14th June)

The Blood Transfusion Council, Maharashtra State is responsible for all

blood transfusion activity in the state. In pursuance of its objectives, various
steps have been taken resulting in the percentage of voluntary blood donors
increasing from 38 to 82 during the last 10 years. While activities in
connection with blood donation are a daily occurrence, the following specific
activities were undertaken in observance of World Blood Donor Day :

A. Press Advertisements
Half-page advertisements in observance of World Blood Donor Day were
released in 30 leading newpapers in English, Hindi and Marathi in all
districts of the state. The message of blood donation was carried to
almost every member of the state’s population.
B. Television Interviews
Interviews with Dr. Jadhav Asst. Director of the Council was arranged
with two of the leading television channels, IBN Lokmat and News X. The
interviews were telecast on the 14th of June to highlight the importance
of World Blood Donor Day. The interview threw light on the various
measures being taken by the Council to ensure availability of safe blood
to those in need.

C. Newspaper Articles
The print media was persuaded to create awareness about blood
donation. Leading newpapers like The Times of India in English and
Lokmat in Marathi carried articles detailing the progress made by the
voluntary blood donation movement in the state, and the new projects
on the anvil.
D. Blood Donation Drives from 7th to 14th June
Daily blood donation drives were organized at various locations in the
state by the Voluntary Blood Donation Committee of the Blood
Transfusion Council.

E. Launch of Mobile Blood Collection Unit

The Mobile Blood Collection Vehicle of the Blood Transfusion Council
was launched on 14th June at the hands of the State Health Minister, Dr.
Mrs. Vimaltai Mundada. The fully air-conditioned Vehicle is equipped to
carry out the entire blood donation activity from filling up of Donor
Questionnaire to Medical History/Check Up to Blood Donation to serving
of refreshments. The Vehicle also has the facility for pulling out an
Awning from the side of the Vehicle, apart from Public address System
and Music/television systems. Blood Donation activity was carried out in
the Vehicle on the same day, immediately after the launch by the Health
Minister. The vehicle was dedicated to all potential blood donors in the
city of Mumbai.
 (Inauguration of mobile blood donation van by
Hon Dr. Vimaltai Mundada, Minister, Public Health
& Family welfare Dept.)
Left to Right - Hon Minister Dr. Vimaltai Mundada, Mr Amitabh Chandra (Principle
Sec, Medical and Drugs Dept), Dr. Prakash doke, (Director Health services), Dr.
Jadhav (Asst Director, SBTC)
F. Felicitation of Blood Camp Organisers
A Programme to felicitate Blood Camp Organisers was held on the 14th
June at the Yeshwantrao Chavan Auditorium, a prominent Hall in the
city. 50 Blood Camp Organisers each of whom had collected more than
1000 blood units in the past year, and 4 Organisers who had collected
more than 10000 units were felicitated by the Health Minister. Also in
attendance were the Health Secretary and the Director, Health Services.
A special award was given to an NGO, Think Foundation for significant
contribution towards the movement of blood donation in the state. The
Programme began with dance performances by Thalassaemic children
as an expression of their gratitude to the Camp Organisers.

(Dance performances by Thalassaemic children)

(Felicitation of Blood Camp Organisers)