Date:07/10/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/10/07/stories/2008100753520300.htm

Other States - Puducherry

Voluntary blood donation up

Serena Josephine. M

PUDUCHERRY: Over the past few years, voluntary blood donation in the Union Territory has increased gradually, thanks to an increased awareness, especially among the youth. Yet, there is a large scope for improvement.

At present, Puducherry requires 17,000-20,000 units of blood every year. But it receives 50 per cent of the requirement through voluntary donation. The rest is obtained through replacement donors, Gilbert Fernandez, Project Director of the Pondicherry AIDS Control Society (PACS), said. “We need to have voluntary donation up to 80 per cent, as it is a sign of good banking system. The situation is gradually improving. Currently, it stands a little over 50 per cent,” he said. In fact, the voluntary donors are mostly college students. “The awareness of blood donation has improved considerably, especially among college students and those who complete school education. The National Cadet Corps, the National Service Scheme and youth clubs also come forward to donate blood,” he said.

There are five government blood banks, with two in Puducherry and one each in the Mahe, Yanam and Karaikal regions. “We have two component separator units, at the Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research and the Government General Hospital, Puducherry. There are six private blood banks,” he said.

Though many women are willing to donate, low haemoglobin levels prevent them from doing so, Dr. Fernandez says. “We are making our blood available through replacement donors too. Sometimes, replacement donors are voluntary donors, but they do not qualify for the category of voluntary blood donation.” As part of the National Voluntary Blood Donation month, the Pondicherry AIDS Control Society will organise awareness programmes. Regular donors will be honoured and a camp organised.

H. Ranganath, chairman of the Indian Red Cross Society, Puducherry chapter, reckons that the voluntary donation awareness is good in the Union Territory.