RAIPUR: In an appeal to the people of Chhattisgarh, Secretary, Health and Family Welfare Department, Prasanna R on Saturday said that blood donation is a great service and a noble cause to the society and humanity.

He was speaking on the occasion of National Voluntary Blood Donation Day after himself donating blood along with Director, National Health Mission Bhoskar Vilas Sandipan at an event held at model blood-bank of Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar Memorial Hospital, here. Professor Dr. Arvind Neral, Head of Pathology Department also donated blood. It was his 119th blood donation.

In the appeal Prasanna said everyone needs to come forward in large numbers and motivate their friends, relatives and colleagues to donate blood. It is a noble cause. A person has 5 to 6 liters of blood in his body. He can donate blood once every three months. The campaign objective is to create awareness on voluntary blood donation on a regular basis.

He added that his year's theme is “Donating blood is an act of Solidarity. Join the effort and save lives”. Various government and non-governmental organizations organized blood donation camps and awareness campaigns.

Director, National Health Mission Bhoskar Vilas Sandipan backing the appeal said blood cannot be manufactured with any machine or machine. Blood is produced only in the human body. Millions of lives can be saved every year. If people suffering from blood disorders like Thalassemia, Sickle cell, Anemia, or accidents are provided blood on time. Any person whose age is between 18 years to 65 years and weighing more than 45 kg can donate blood.

Dr. Arvind Neral stated that the health department has decided to upgrade the model blood bank as a separate ‘transfusion medicine department’ in future.