Alumni Interaction Programme Webinar on
‘Role of Youth in Blood Donation & Transfusion Therapy’
Dolphin Alumni Association organised a webinar on 31st July, 2021 under the Alumni Interaction Programme. The speaker for the interactive talk session was Mr. Rajeev Ranjan, Quality Manager, Dept. Of Blood Bank, Goa Medical College and Hospital, Goa. The programme began with a welcome address by Dr. Deptee Warikoo, Secretary, Dolphin Alumni Association. About 100 students from various departments participated in the event. Mr. Aditya Swaroop, President, Dolphin Alumni Association concluded the programme with a formal vote of thanks.
Mr. Rajeev focussed in his talk that Youth are the potential source for the blood donation and they can motivate others and promote the practice of blood donations among others. Blood donations also favor the adaptation of healthy life style among them. Requirement for blood in India is around 13.1 million blood unit and there is a huge gap between demand & availability of the blood. Young people have a crucial role to play in saving lives by blood donations. A single donation helps at least three people in need. However, donor must meet certain conditions such as age must be at least 18 kg, weigh at least 45 kg, hemoglobin should be 12.5 gm/dl, should be in good health and answer few health related questions. Those with chronic or contagious diseases cannot donate blood.
He also emphasized that regular blood donation provide regular screening and stimulates blood cell formation & reduces the blood pressure, risk of heart attacks, brain strokes carcinoma of various organs. In current scenario, youth are more prone to develop various type of life style disorders like obesity, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, stroke, cancer and exploratory & curiosity behavior towards illicit things which make them defer from blood donations temporarily or permanently. It is advisable to maintain healthy lifestyle and refrain themselves from drugs, alcohol and smoking.
He strongly motivated youth to take initiative to mobilize family members, friends, relatives and others for blood donation. They can use social media platform and technology to create awareness not only for blood donation practice but AIDS awareness & education can also be promoted to the general public. Maintaining database of donors at college, organization, society level also boost blood donation.
He also highlighted that as a career perspective, one can opt for Medical Laboratory Technology programe and become a blood bank technologist, aphaeresis technician, technical supervisor and quality control manager in government and private blood banks. In diagnostic MNCs, one can join as a application and product specialist too.
He concluded the talk with beautiful quote:
“Let’s come together to serve the mankind by donating blood and bring the smile on someone’s face”