The Goa State Blood Transfusion Council in collaboration with the Goa State AIDS Control Society celebrated World Blood Donor Day 2023 at SCERT, Main hall, Porvorim. This year’s theme, “Give Blood, Give Plasma, Share Life, Share Often,” emphasizes the significance of regular blood and plasma donations. Shri Arun Kumar Mishra, IAS, Secretary of Health, encouraged everyone to take the pledge to donate blood and motivate others to do the same, emphasizing that it can be a lifesaving act. He extended his congratulations to the organizers and donors for their significant contribution to the noble cause of donating blood and saving numerous lives.
Dr. Shruti Bhandare, Junior Pathologist at North District Hospital delivered a comprehensive keynote address, providing essential information related to blood donation. Her insightful speech highlighted the importance of donating blood and the benefits it offers to both the donors and the recipients.
Dr. Pritam Naik, STD, Chief Medical Officer at the Directorate of Health Services, expressed that donating blood is an achievement in itself and brings multiple health benefits to the donor. She emphasized that one of the advantages of donating blood is the mini health checkup. Dr. Naik encouraged everyone to become a hero by becoming a regular blood donor. Dr. Geeta Kakodkar, Director, Directorate of Health Services, shed light on the importance of voluntary blood donation and shared incidents and experiences that highlighted how voluntary blood donation has positively impacted the lives of those in need. Dr. Kakodkar stressed the need to increase voluntary blood donation in the community.
The event also witnessed organizers and donors sharing their personal experiences with blood donation. In recognition of their outstanding efforts in organizing blood donation camps and inspiring people to donate blood, 43 organizers were felicitated by the esteemed dignitaries present at the event. Shri Umakant Sawant, JDIC, State AIDS Control Society, proposed the Vote of Thanks, expressing gratitude to all participants, organizers, and donors for their valuable contributions and support.