NSS wing of SAC holds blood donation camp

Mangaluru: The NSS Unit of St. Aloysius College (Autonomous), Mangaluru organized a Blood Donation Camp in association with District Wenlock Hospital and Red Cross Society, Mangaluru on August 8, in the college auditorium.

Dr. Sharath, Medial Officer at District Wenlock Hospital, Mangaluru was the chief guest. Edward of the Red Cross Society, Mangaluru was the guest of honour. Rev. Dr. Praveen Martis SJ, Principal of St Aloysius College presided over the programme.

Dr. Sharath, in his address, briefed the audience on the importance of blood donation. He explained how the concept of blood donation came into existence. He said that in the year 1941, the concept of blood donation was introduced in Karnataka and former Prime Minister of India Jawaharlal Nehru was the first person to donate blood.

Dr. Sharath also explained the various groups of blood and how to ascertain them. “In India, a person above the age of 18 and below 65 can donate blood. In other countries, a person at the age of 15 can donate blood. A person whose weight is 45 – 50 Kgs is eligible to donate blood. Men can donate blood once in 3 months and women, once in 4 months,” he informed. He explained the various ways donated blood saves lives.

“A healthy person has 6 litres of blood in the body. But a person needs only 3 litres of blood for survival. Hence, any healthy person can donate blood and the donor can recover the blood within a short span of time. Donating blood also helps in discharging cholesterol stored in the heart and helps build immunity in the body,” Dr. Sharath said.

Principal, Rev. Dr. Praveen Martis, in his presidential address, also highlighted the importance of donating blood. “The intention of donating blood is to save one’s life and it should be voluntary,” he opined. He also appreciated the efforts taken by the NSS to conduct such camps for a noble cause.

As much as 237 pints of blood was collected at the camp.

Registrar Dr. A.M. Narahari, NSS Officer Alwyn among others were present. Joshua compered the programme, whereas Dhanashree proposed a vote of thanks.