BY TC News Desk
Agartala, 14th June 2025: Tripura Chief Minister Prof. Dr. Manik Saha today urged to create massive awareness campaigns about the benefits of voluntary blood donation to encourage more people to donate blood.
Dr. Saha said this while addressing the observance of World Blood Donor Day 2025 at Pragna Bhawan, Agartala. “I congratulate everyone for organizing World Blood Donor Day. Today, on the birth anniversary of Karl Landsteiner, the ‘Father of Blood Transfusion’, we are commemorating this significant day. He is the one who discovered blood groups,” Dr. Saha said.
The Chief Minister noted that blood banks in Tripura often face shortages, especially during election periods. He added that if Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘One Nation, One Election’ policy is implemented, it would help alleviate such shortages and benefit blood banks as well as the general public.
“Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, we experienced a severe blood crisis. I urge people to come forward and donate blood to save lives. Whenever we appeal, the people of Tripura respond positively. Blood donation is a noble act—one unit can save up to three lives,” he said.
He also emphasized the health benefits of blood donation, stating, “Donating blood helps reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases by 33%. Men can donate blood every three months, while women can do so every four months. The process takes only a few minutes, but the impact on the recipient lasts a lifetime.”
Dr. Saha, who also serves as the state Health Minister, mentioned that around 15% of the population has a negative blood type. “We must keep at least two units of blood in reserve for each surgery. The most important aspect is raising awareness about blood donation. The more awareness we create, the more people will come forward. Blood donation is a social responsibility, and there must be a balance between donation and storage,” he added.
During the event, Dr. Saha launched the official webpage of the Tripura Blood Transfusion Council, ‘Tripura Raktakosh’, dedicated to blood donors and patient families. He also unveiled a blood donation calendar, the cover page of the health newsletter Swasthya Samachar, and honored several blood donors.
Tripura Health Secretary Kiran Gitte, Health Director Dr. Tapan Majumder, and other officials were present at the event.
