Department of Transfusion HOD Dr Birendar Sharma said the Government should provide special incentives to such unsung heroes to exhort mass participation as the number of voluntary blood donors is still below the requisite one per cent in the State.
TFM Report
48-year-old Okram Yoihenba from Ningthoukhong Kha Khunou has become the first to voluntarily donate blood for 80 times in 20 years in Manipur. In recognition of his contribution, a small event was held at Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS)’s Department of Transfusion Medicine on Saturday to fete him on his 80th blood donation.
Speaking to the media on the sidelines of the event, Head of Department of Transfusion Medicine Dr A Birendar Sharma said that such dedication and sacrifice is the need of the hour to tackle blood shortage in the State. Highlighting that one unit of blood can save up to three lives, Birendar added Yoihenba’s 80th donation also marks the 240 lives he has aided so far.
The doctor opined that the Government should provide special incentives to such unsung heroes and exhort mass participation as the number of voluntary blood donors is still below the requisite one percent in the State. As such he emphasised the need to create awareness about blood donation.
Meanwhile, 80 times blood donor, Okram Yoihenba said he embarked on his journey voluntary blood donation way back in 2002 at Bishnupur District Hospital. He stated that he maintains a normal diet and no medical complications have resulted from his donations till date. He exhorted people of the State to set aside taboos associated with blood donation and extend their service in mitigating the issue of blood shortage in the State.