Deputy Commissioner, Dimapur, Dr Tinojongshi Chang, NCS, has called for greater participation of youth in voluntary blood donation, stressing the need to build a sustained culture of regular donation rather than relying on emergency appeals when blood is urgently required.
He was speaking at an awareness programme on voluntary blood donation held at Immanuel College, Lengrijan, Dimapur, on October 1.
Chang highlighted that blood is a precious resource that cannot be manufactured and can only be obtained through willing human donors. He said donated blood plays a vital role in saving the lives of patients undergoing surgery, accident victims, mothers during childbirth and persons suffering from serious illnesses.
He stressed that emergencies can occur without warning and maintaining a stable supply of safe blood is therefore essential. He called for a shift from a reactive approach, where people donate only when a relative, friend or acquaintance requires blood, towards regular voluntary donation as a community practice.
Addressing students and faculty, the Deputy Commissioner said educational institutions have an important role in developing character, civic responsibility and a spirit of service alongside academic learning.
He encouraged students to become ambassadors of voluntary blood donation and spread awareness among their families and communities.
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Chang also addressed common misconceptions and concerns among young people regarding blood donation, encouraging eligible donors to donate under proper medical supervision. He urged the youth to share accurate information and help dispel unnecessary fears surrounding voluntary blood donation.
Highlighting Nagaland’s strong spirit of fellowship and mutual support, he said the same spirit could provide a strong foundation for developing a sustained culture of voluntary blood donation. He encouraged the community to transform solidarity into regular and organised action.
The Deputy Commissioner appreciated Immanuel College, concerned departments and organisations, healthcare professionals and the Voluntary Blood Donors Association of Nagaland (VBDAN) for their efforts to promote voluntary blood donation. He assured continued support from the district administration and line departments towards strengthening blood donation programmes.
Speaking on the occasion, VBDAN President, Burakum Ao described blood donation as one of the simplest yet most meaningful ways of serving humanity. He reiterated that blood cannot be manufactured and can only come through the generosity of fellow human beings.
Ao expressed appreciation to voluntary blood donors for their kindness and commitment and encouraged students to become ambassadors of voluntary blood donation.
He urged the gathering to spread awareness, dispel fear and misconceptions and inspire more eligible people to donate regularly. Collective efforts, he said, could help build a stronger culture of voluntary blood donation in Nagaland so that no life is lost simply because blood is unavailable.
The programme also featured an awareness session on HIV/AIDS by Temsuyanger Aier, Monitoring and Evaluation Assistant, DSHAA, and an awareness session on voluntary blood donation by Dr Rongsenmar LKR, Medical Officer, Blood Centre, District Hospital Dimapur.
A special number was presented by Chumchanao Ngullie, BA 3rd Semester, Immanuel College.
The programme was organised by the Blood Centre, District Hospital Dimapur, and Immanuel College, in collaboration with the Voluntary Blood Donors Association of Nagaland, with support from the Nagaland State Blood Transfusion Council.
The programme concluded with an appeal to carry the message of voluntary blood donation beyond the college and into homes, churches, communities and workplaces, strengthening the culture of service and helping save lives.
This was followed by voluntary blood donation.
