Udupi: Marking Independence Day with a noble cause, CSI Lombard Memorial Hospital, Udupi, organised a blood donation camp at the Multi-Purpose Hall near the School of Nursing Compound, Mission Hospital, Udupi, on August 15.
The camp was held in association with Indian Red Cross Blood Bank Kundapura, Indian Red Cross Udupi Unit, Youth Red Cross Udupi, Badagabettu Credit Co-Operative Society, Lions Club Chethana Udupi, Kala Kiran Club Bailoor, Udupi Runners Club (R), Blood Help Care Karnataka (R), and Upendra Pai Memorial College, Kunjibettu.
The event began with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp, followed by a prayer led by Chaplin Rachel D’Silva.
Chief guest Indrali Jayakar Shetty, president of Badagabettu Credit Co-Operative Society, praised the hospital for conducting camps that benefit the general public and noted its recent progress. Addressing the gathering, Jayakar Shetty, chairman of Red Cross Blood Bank, Kundapura, expressed gratitude to donors:
“Blood donation is a small act of kindness that can have a massive impact on someone’s life.”
The camp saw an overwhelming response with more than 75 donors, whose contributions will help accident victims, surgery patients, and individuals battling critical illnesses. A general health check-up was also conducted for participants.
Prominent attendees included Santhosh Kumar (President, Lions Club Chethana), Arun Kumar Shetty (President, Kala Kiran Club), Dr Thilak Chandrapal (President, Udupi Runners Club), Sheikh Fayaz (President, Blood Help Care Karnataka), and Hospital AO Deena Prabhavathi.
The process was supervised by trained medical staff, ensuring strict hygiene and safety standards. Donors received certificates of appreciation and refreshments as a token of gratitude.
The camp’s success highlights the importance of community participation in maintaining a safe and sufficient blood supply and stands as a reminder of the life-saving power of voluntary blood donation.