SRINAGAR: To mark the World Blood Donors Day a one-day mega awareness-cum-blood donation camp was held at Islamic University Awantipora, near here today. The programme was organized by the J&K State AIDS Control and Prevention Society in collaboration with Islamic University, State Health Department and Government Medical College, Srinagar.
Minister for Health & Family Welfare, 
Mr. Sham Lal Sharma was chief guest on the occasion and Vice Chancellor, Islamic University; Prof. A.R.Trag presided over the function.
Around one hundred volunteers including students, faculty members, doctors and members of the civil defence donated blood on the occasion.
Addressing the galaxy of gathering on the occasion, the Minister highlighted the importance of blood donation and appealed the people to donate blood generously to save the precious lives. He stressed the need for greater awareness and motivation among in the society about the significance of blood donation. He emphasized the need for stepping up the efforts at different level with the active involveemtns of government institutions, NGOs, social organizations, educational institutions to motivate the people for voluntarily blood donation which will enable the health institutions to meet the blood requirements.
Explaining the objective of organizing this programme out of the capital city, the Minister said that need of the hour is to take the activities out of the cities and involvement of rural youth for this noble cause. He expressed gratitude to the university authorities for becoming partner for this pious act and extending necessary help for organizing the programme. He asked the participants, particularly the students to become true ambassadors and spread the message amongst their relatives, friends to donate the blood for saving the human lives. He said blood donation is the biggest charity and it gives divine’s experience.
Revealing the steps taken by the Government to improve the infrastructure for the blood storage in the State, the Minister said that it is endeavor of the Government to create the facilities in every district, sub-district hospitals and primary health centres. He said Central Government has given nod for establishing 26 blood banks across the State which would strengthen the network of blood storage in the health institutions.
Meanwhile to cater the increased medical needs of people, the Minister announced a new 30-bedded emergency hospital for Awantipora. He said that a team of officers will visit to select the site and work for the execution of hospital project will start during the current financial year. He said during his recent visit to Awantipora town, the prominent citizens had strongly advocated for setting up of upgraded hospital to meet the requirements of thickly populated area. The Government examined the demand on priority and decided to establish the hospital, said Mr. Sham.
Prof. Trag also addressed the gathering and inspired the students and faculty members to donate blood voluntarily and become part of the on-going campaign of blood donation. He asked the students to make the blood donation a regular feature to save the precious lives. He expressed gratitude to the Minister for selecting the venue for holding such a significant event. This would definitely create awareness amongst the rural youth for blood donation and shouldering the social responsibilities, he added.
The Minister also honored some regular donors and students who presented skits on the subject.
Project Director, J&K AIDS Control Society, Dr. Rakesh Khajuria and Consultant Blood Bank, Dr. T.R.Raina also spoke and threw light on the scenario of blood storage and steps taken to further strengthen the network of blood bank in the State. They also motivated the younger generation to come forward and donate blood voluntarily.
