Shillong, June 12: Health Minister Wailadmiki Shylla has called for wider awareness on blood donation as the World Blood Donor Day was observed under the theme “One Drop of Humanity. Give Blood. Save Lives” at State Convention Centre, Shillong on Friday.
Noting that 51% of the state’s population is under 25, Shylla directed officials to expand awareness campaigns in schools, colleges, and public spaces.
Addressing the programme organised by Meghalaya State Blood Transfusion Council along with Directorate of Health Services Medical Education and Research, Shylla termed voluntary donors as “silent heroes”.
“Voluntary blood donors are silent heroes who save countless lives, emphasizing that everyday citizens have the power to make an impact,” he said.
To modernise donation systems, the Minister proposed a mobile app for donor registration and real-time blood stock visibility.
“You don’t need a degree, you don’t need to be a doctor or a medical practitioner to save life. You can just give your blood and save life,” Shylla said.
In his address, Director of Medical Education, L Mylliemumlong said, “I urge the public to adopt voluntary blood donation as a social responsibility. The process is entirely safe and naturally replenished by the body.”
Dr S Lyngdoh, Additional Director DME, added that voluntary donation remains the safest source. “Blood cannot be manufactured artificially. Voluntary, non-remunerated donation is the safest and most sustainable method to meet demand for surgeries, cancer treatment, and emergencies,” he noted.
Meanwhile, Lifetime Achievement award was presented to Deborah Anne Shylla on the occasion.
First-time donors Stevenson Shabong, Gamken D. Lendo, H. Lalpekhlui, Deimon Longme Kharkongor, Ilwanbet Lating, and Apkyrmen Janong were also felicitated, along with highest donors Rangshai Rani, Hunlang Mary Marbaniang, Gareth S. Kurkalang, and Amitius Rai.
Blood centres at Dr HG Roberts Hospital, Nazareth Hospital, NEIGRIHMS, and Pasteur Institute Shillong were honoured.
Student groups from Synod College, Don Bosco Technical School, Lady Keane College, and IIM Shillong’s Ecobiz Club were also recognised.
The event concluded with a pledge-taking ceremony and a testimony by transfusion recipient Ms Naphisabet Lhuid.
