Religious bodies to pitch in to tackle shortage of blood

The State Blood Transfusion Council (SBTC) has roped in religious and spiritual organisations to tackle the shortfall of blood during the vacation season in April, May and June.

The council has formed a 20-member voluntary blood donation committee comprising religious organisations, spiritual leaders, community groups and corporates, who can mobilise blood donors. Two organisations collected nearly 5,000 units of blood at a few camps in April, while more camps are lined up for the coming weeks.

Motivating donors

“Such a committee existed two years ago, but consisted only of social workers. This time, we have brought together all the people who can make a difference,” said Dr. Arun Thorat, head of SBTC. The committee was formed on the instructions of State Health Minister Deepak Sawant.

Dr. Thorat said the city collects nearly 25,000 units of blood a month. “But in April, May and June, the collection hovers around 19,000 to 21,000 units,” he said. SBTC has also received permission from Central and Western Railways to hold camps at stations.

Lessons from Shirdi

Dr. Thorat recently visited the Shri Sai Baba Sansthan at Shirdi to see its blood donation initiative. The Sansthan has coined the phrase ‘tonsure in Tirupati, blood donation in Shirdi’ to encourage people to donate blood regularly. “Blood donors are given VIP darshan,” said Dr. Thorat. He is in talks with the Siddhivinayak Temple to offer a similar incentive to devotees in Mumbai.

Camps at hospitals

The SBTC has permitted top private hospitals, including Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani, Nanavati and Lilavati, to hold camps to phase out replacement blood donations from patient’s relatives.