Mohali
15 June 2019
DIVYA AZAD
On World Blood Donor Day, doctors at Fortis Hospital Mohali highlighted various health benefits of voluntary blood donation at a Blood Donation Camp organised within the hospital premises held today. Dr Apra Kalra, Head, Blood Bank, Fortis Hospital, Mohali spoke at length about the crucial role that blood brings in the treatment of patients in hospitals. The special blood donation camp saw as many as 150 persons donating their blood.
Dr Apra Kalra said, “The wonderful fact about donating blood is that a single donation can benefit several patients in critical conditions. Any adult over the age of 18 can donate blood and it takes only 30 minutes in any licensed blood bank; and the volume is replaced in a few hours while the cells take around 48 hours to regenerate.”
Talking about various health benefits of blood donation, Dr Kalra added, “Blood donation at timely intervals maintain the iron level and reduce the risk of health ailments; especially cardiovascular health. It also helps burn calories. The biggest benefit of all is that your red blood cells are completely replenished within two months that will help you to stay healthy and fit.”
The theme for Blood Donor Day 2019 is “Blood donation and universal access to safe blood transfusion” to achieve universal health coverage. The slogan for the campaign is “Safe blood for all” to raise awareness about the universal need for safe blood in the delivery of health care. The host country for World Blood Donor day 2019 is Rwanda. the global event will be held in Kigali, Rwanda on 14 June, 2019.
Blood donation helps save millions of people every year. It is a critical element for patients undergoing treatment for life threatening conditions, supports complex medical & surgical procedures and helps them to recover well with a better quality of life. Availability and access of safe blood in requisite quantity remains key components of an effective healthcare system. An adequate supply can only be ensured through regular donations by voluntary and unpaid donors. Around 112.5 million blood donations are collected globally every year. The average blood donation rate in India remains at a low rate of 0.8 only.
