Suri appeals for blood donations to meet needs of transfusion patients

Islamabad:The Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS) observed ‘World Blood Donor Day’ here Monday, urging governments and health authorities to provide adequate resources and to institute systems and infrastructures that would help accelerate collection of blood from voluntary, non-remunerated donors.

The event had Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly Qasim Khan Suri as the chief guest; the Chairman of PRCS Abrar ul Haq, Secretary General Dr. Adeel Nawaz, and senior officials and volunteers also attended. The aim was to raise awareness regarding the need for regular blood donations and to thank all voluntary donors for their life-saving gift of blood to those in need.

Speaking on the occasion, Suri applauded the services of the Regional Blood Donor Center working under the auspices of PRCS and urged that the needs of thalassemia patients, who are suffering due to reduced blood donations during the Corona epidemic, be met by all the segments of the society. “This day is a reminder of the fact that blood transfusion is important in healthcare and medical treatment all over the world. Millions of people around the world get a new life through blood donation on a daily basis,” he added.

Addressing the ceremony, Abrar recollected that Qasim Suri was the first to donate blood when PRCS initiated a campaign to collect blood donations in front of the Parliament House. He emphasized the need to promote a culture of voluntary blood donation. “PRCS has always strived for the management and supply of blood to deserving patients, emergencies and accidents. Our volunteers are active in collecting and ensuring timely availability of blood donations. Volunteers themselves donate blood regularly and participate in awareness campaigns,” he said.

General (r) Mustafa Kamal Akbar, who donated blood 170 times at the age of 82, and Murtaza Burhani, who donated blood 158 times, also delivered motivational speeches. In the end, shields and gifts were presented to the distinguished guests while Abrar presented a commemorative shield to the deputy speaker.