Sri Vijaya Puram, May 13:
A total of 70 units of blood were collected in a significant joint initiative involving the Andaman & Nicobar AIDS Control Society (ANACS), the Blood Centre of G. B. Pant Hospital, and armed forces units at INS Utkrosh and RSN Dollygunj. The blood donation camps, conducted at the respective campuses, saw enthusiastic participation from voluntary donors, reinforcing the spirit of public service and healthcare collaboration.
At INS Utkrosh, 38 individuals came forward to donate blood, while RSN Dollygunj contributed another 32 units. The initiative, facilitated by medical personnel from the Directorate of Health Services, aimed to bolster the blood bank’s reserves and ensure preparedness for emergency and elective medical needs.
Before donation, all volunteers underwent a thorough medical screening to verify eligibility and safety. The process included briefings on the significance of blood donation, precautions to take post-donation, and assurances about hygiene and donor safety.
The technical team from G.B. Pant Hospital’s Blood Centre ensured that every unit collected adhered to national standards, including screening for transfusion-transmissible infections such as HIV, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C. Certificates of appreciation were distributed to all participants, acknowledging their contribution to life-saving healthcare efforts.
ANACS officials emphasized the importance of such camps in maintaining a steady supply of safe blood, especially in island territories where logistics can delay critical healthcare delivery. The cooperation between healthcare institutions and defense establishments reflected a shared commitment to community welfare.
These camps not only met immediate blood storage needs but also contributed to raising awareness about voluntary donation, a vital but often underserved aspect of public health systems. Future such drives are expected to build on this momentum and expand donor participation across the region.
