Mangaluru: Father Muller Medical College Hospital marked World Blood Donor Day with a heartfelt celebration honouring voluntary blood donors and promoting the life-saving importance of blood donation. The programme, organised by the Immuno-Hematology and Blood Transfusion (IHBT) Centre in association with the Youth Red Cross Unit of Father Muller Medical College, was held on June 27, reinforcing the institution’s commitment to fostering a culture of altruism, compassion and community service.

Although World Blood Donor Day is observed globally on June 14, Father Muller organised an elaborate celebration and voluntary blood donation drive on June 27 to recognise the invaluable contribution of blood donors who continue to save countless lives.

Inspiring messages on the gift of life

The programme was graced by Prof. Cynthia Santhumayor, Principal of Father Muller College (Speech & Hearing), as the Chief Guest, while Dr. Venkatesh S. Amin, Director of Management Development Programme and Dean of the Institute of Management and Commerce, Srinivas University, attended as the Guest of Honour. Rev. Fr. Faustine Lucas Lobo, Director of Father Muller Charitable Institutions, presided over the function.

Also present were Rev. Dr. Michael Santhumayor, Administrator of Father Muller Medical College, Dr. Venkatesh B. M., Vice Dean, and Dr. Kirana Pailoor, Head of the IHBT Centre and Programme Officer of the Youth Red Cross Unit.

Welcoming the gathering, Dr. Kirana Pailoor highlighted the importance of voluntary blood donation in ensuring a safe and adequate blood supply while encouraging compassion and social responsibility within the community.

In her keynote address, Prof. Cynthia Santhumayor shared an emotional account of her first blood donation at the age of 23, when she responded to an emergency call to help a young mother suffering from severe postpartum haemorrhage. She recalled how the grateful family later visited her to express their heartfelt thanks, describing blood donation as one of the noblest acts of humanity. Quoting her late father, she encouraged everyone to never miss an opportunity to do good, however small it may seem.

Sharing his own inspiring journey, Dr. Venkatesh S. Amin, a voluntary blood donor on more than 30 occasions, revealed that his commitment to blood donation began after witnessing his mother survive a life-threatening medical emergency because of an anonymous blood donor. He stressed that while medical science has made tremendous advances, there is still no substitute for human blood. “A single donation of 450 millilitres of blood has the potential to save three lives,” he reminded the audience.

Presiding over the programme, Rev. Fr. Faustine Lucas Lobo reflected on the life-giving significance of blood, stating that it fulfils its true purpose when it flows through another person to sustain life. He observed that increased public awareness has helped dispel myths surrounding blood donation, encouraging more people to donate voluntarily for the welfare of others.

Long-serving blood donors felicitated

As part of the celebration, Father Muller Medical College Hospital honoured 19 dedicated voluntary blood donors, many of whom have been donating blood consistently for more than 15 years, especially to support patients suffering from thalassaemia.

The honoured donors included Mr. Vikram, Mr. K. Sripathi Rao, Mr. Prasad, Mr. Karunakara, Mr. Rajesh Poojary, Mr. Aditya S. Rao, Mr. Manjunatha, Mr. Brayan Royan Pereira, Mr. Francis Praveen Crasta, Mr. Prashanth D’Souza, Mr. Quintus Jerald D’Souza, Mr. Shodhan, Mr. Rittu V. C., Ms. Silvita Nazlin, Dr. Karan Kiran Giriyan, Mr. Ganesh Rao, Mr. Melvin Monteiro, Ms. Sushmitha P. and Mr. Lester Cavean Lobo.

The institution expressed its heartfelt gratitude to these exemplary donors for their unwavering commitment to saving lives through voluntary blood donation.

Student competitions spread awareness

To create awareness among students, the institution organised Face Painting and Meme Competitions focusing on voluntary blood donation.

The Face Painting Competition attracted 13 teams, while the Meme Competition received 46 entries. The top meme entries were also uploaded on Instagram for public voting before the winners were announced.

Face Painting Competition Winners:

  • First Place: Onisha and Linisha (MBBS 2023)
  • Second Place: Gitika and Andrea (III Year BPT)
  • Third Place: Josiya and Emily (II Year Nursing)

Meme Competition Winners:

  • First Place: Dasari Sree Chandana (MBBS 2024)
  • Second Place: Laya Treasa Jose (MBBS 2024)
  • Third Place: Komal Patel (BPT 2024)

The Face Painting Competition was judged by Mrs. Ramya Satheesh, Assistant Professor, Department of Anatomy, and Mr. Prakash, Artist, FMCI, while the Meme Competition was judged by Prof. Dr. Lulu, Department of Anaesthesiology, and Dr. Tanush Shetty, Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology.

Dr. Nishanth Krishna introduced the Chief Guest, while Dr. Pallavi introduced the Guest of Honour. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Madhu Malar, Assistant Professor, Department of Community Medicine. Joanna and Blessing, final-year MBBS students and members of the Youth Red Cross Unit, compered the programme.

The celebration concluded with a renewed call for voluntary blood donation, reminding the community that every blood donor is a lifesaver and every donation is a priceless gift of life.