Deputy Commissioner Kathua Rajesh Sharma today flagged off a Blood Collection and Transport Van from the DC Office Complex, Kathua, for Basohli and Bani subdivisions to facilitate voluntary blood donation camps and strengthen healthcare services in remote and hilly areas of the district.
The specially equipped van has a capacity to collect and preserve 60 units of blood at a time and is fitted with modern facilities for on-spot blood collection, safe storage and maintenance of required temperature conditions. The collected blood will be deposited at Government Medical College (GMC) Kathua for further utilisation and transfusion support.
The initiative has been launched in connection with World Blood Donor Day, observed globally on June 14, with the objective of promoting voluntary blood donation and spreading awareness about its importance, especially among people living in far-flung areas.
Appreciating the efforts of the JK Blood Donors and Welfare Society (JKBDWS) and the Health Department Kathua, the Deputy Commissioner said extending such facilities to remote and hilly regions will help strengthen emergency healthcare services and improve accessibility to life-saving resources.
He urged youth, social organisations and the general public to actively participate in voluntary blood donation drives, terming it a noble contribution towards saving precious lives. Former DDC Member Sandeep Majotra apprised the gathering about the roadmap and objective of the campaign, emphasising the need to educate people about voluntary blood donation and encourage greater participation.
He informed that around 100 persons have registered for blood donation under the initiative. The van will cover Basohli, Bhoond Bani, Lowang and Sarthal, carrying essential medical equipment and preservation units to facilitate safe collection and storage of blood during the camps.
Among those present were Additional Deputy Commissioner Mahima Madan, ASP Sunil Kesar, Founder JKBDWS Malkeet Singh, officials from the Health Department, members of JKBDWS and volunteers.