On the 13th of August 2019, St. Andrew’s College of Arts, Science and Commerce held a college-wide blood donation camp sponsored by Bharat Petroleum, as a part of its intercollegiate fest Mosaic and the college department for social service, i.e. National Service Scheme (NSS).
Blood donation is a vital part of worldwide healthcare. It relates to blood transfusion as a life-sustaining and life-saving procedure as well as a form of therapeutic phlebotomy as a primary medical intervention. Transfusion of blood and blood products helps save millions of lives every year.
The Andrean Blood Donation camp that took place on the college campus, in the main building, witnessed a large number of students and professors eager to donate blood and be a part of this extensive social outreach program. A total of 180 students were present, out of which 140 donated blood. Holy Family Hospital and Mahatma Gandhi Seva Mandir Hospital sent in their doctors to administer every aspect of the many donations being made. Every procedure was thoroughly and intricately overseen to avoid health risks towards the donor and the future receiver. It was ensured that the equipment used was brand new and clean. Every donor was congruously checked for haemoglobin levels and other related necessities before they donated their blood.
Every year on the 14th of June, the world celebrates World Blood Donation Day to commemorate all those who have donated blood to save lives all over the world. This year’s World Health Organization’s (WHO) campaign, ‘Blood Donation as an act of solidarity’, highlights the fundamental human values of respect, empathy and altruism. Keeping in mind these fundamental beliefs, St. Andrew’s College saw these values imbibed in its students when they showed exceptional interest and enthusiasm when it came to the good of society and mankind as a whole, even though many of them weren’t comfortable at the sight of blood and most of them were doing for the first time. Some of the students were interviewed before and after they donated blood. They were excited to be a part of a program like this and give something to help save a life. The feedback of the students after donating their blood was positive and they had an immense sense of happiness.
It is important to understand the need for Blood Donation in India with a steady rise in the number of diseases and the number of patients consequently. We encourage the youth to follow the example set by these youth and donate blood today.
