Overwhelming Response to Blood Donation Camp at Naval Dockyard, Visakhapatnam

Overwhelming Response to Blood Donation Camp at Naval Dockyard, Visakhapatnam

A Mega Blood Donation Camp was organised as a part of the Navy Day Celebration at the Naval Dockyard Dispensary, Visakhapatnam in collaboration with blood banks of King George Hospital, Indian Red Cross and NTR Trust Blood Bank on 08 November 2019. The camp was inaugurated by Surgeon Rear Admiral CS Naidu, VSM, Command Medical Officer(CMO), HQENC. There was an overwhelming response from volunteers amongst the uniformed and Defence Civilian personnel and their families, wherein 642 individuals including ladies, volunteered and donated blood, which was handed over to participating Blood Banks.

Speaking at the occasion, Surgeon Rear Admiral CS Naidu, CMO, highlighted that there is often 30 to 40% shortfall of blood every year and stressed on the need to increase awareness about regular volunteer blood donation, further he added that any healthy adult can safely donate blood three to four times in a year. Each unit of blood can be fractionated and used up to four different patients thereby multiplying the number of lives saved. He concluded by highlighting the significance of the contribution of the Naval Community for humanitarian and social cause towards people of Visakhapatnam district has been invaluable.

Dr. Shyamala Devi, In-Charge Blood Bank, KGH and Dr. P Venugopal, Chairman Indian Red Cross Blood Bank also addressed the gathering on the occasion and they brought out various facts on the blood donation scenario in the country and lauded efforts of the Indian Navy in voluntary blood donation.