The Pondicherry AIDS Control Society, in association with the Pondicherry Blood Transfusion Council, conducted an awareness rally on voluntary blood donation to mark the World Blood Donor Day on Friday.
Health Minister Malladi Krishna Rao flagged off the rally at the Rajiv Gandhi Government Women and Children Hospital.
According to a Health department official, the World Blood Donor Day is celebrated every year to thank voluntary donors and raise awareness of the need for regular donations.
The theme for this year was ‘Safe Blood for All’.
The Union Territory has a network of 17 licensed blood banks, of which five are government-run and 12 are run by private organisations including medical colleges.
In 2018-19, a total of 23,748 units of blood were collected in the U.T. against the target 20,000 units in the five government blood banks.
“Adequate supply of blood during emergencies requires a well organised service. This can only be ensured by engaging the entire community to voluntarily donate blood throughout the year,” speakers said.
The World Blood Donor Day serves to ensure that all individuals and communities have access to affordable and timely supplies of safe blood as an integral part of universal health coverage .
Several police personnel also contributed by donating blood inside a specially equipped mobile van.
