ITANAGAR, Oct 1: National Voluntary Blood Donation Day was observed across Arunachal Pradesh on Thursday with blood donation camps and awareness programmes organised in Ziro and Tawang to promote voluntary donation and strengthen the availability of safe blood for patients.
At Ziro, a voluntary blood donation camp was organised at the Blood Centre of Gyati Takka Zonal General Hospital (GTZGH) by the Apatani Teachers Welfare Forum (ATWF) in collaboration with Mudo Tamo Memorial College (MTMC), Ziro, and the hospital’s Blood Centre.
The camp attracted 48 participants, including 26 females. Following screening, 26 units of blood were collected, comprising 15 units from male donors and 11 from female donors, while 22 participants were deferred. The collection included five units of A-positive, nine B-positive, seven O-positive and five AB-positive blood.
The programme was organised under the leadership of ATWF president Nada Tagio and general secretary Tadu Oppo, with MTMC chairperson Mudo Dumi, faculty members, students and other voluntary donors participating.
Voluntary blood donor organisations were also felicitated for their contributions. Under the State Blood Transfusion Council (SBTC) recognition, the 60th Battalion ITBP, Hapoli, and Apatani Baptist Association (ABA) were recognised for their participation and blood donation. At the district level, ATWF, MTMC Ziro, Indira Gandhi Technological and Medical Sciences University (IGTAMSU), Ziro, and BRO 756 BRTF (Project Arunank) were honoured.
At Tawang, the day was observed at Kalawangpo Hall, General Ground, with an awareness programme and blood donation camp aimed at encouraging greater public participation in voluntary blood donation.
Zilla Parishad Member, Tawang, Sonam Norzin attended the programme as chief guest, while Assistant Commissioner Tenzin Jambey was the guest of honour and the Commanding Officer of Field Hospital, Tawang, attended as special guest.
The programme began with the National Anthem, followed by the voluntary blood donation pledge and inauguration of the blood donation camp. District Medical Officer Dr TD Namsa highlighted the importance of voluntary blood donation in ensuring timely access to safe blood for patients.
Dr Joram Khopey, Deputy Director, State Blood Transfusion Council, Directorate of Health Services, gave an overview of National Voluntary Blood Donation Day 2026 and blood transfusion services in the State.
Voluntary blood donor organisations were felicitated at the Tawang programme for their contribution to the cause. The Commanding Officer, Field Hospital, emphasised the humanitarian value of blood donation and encouraged eligible citizens to donate voluntarily.
ZPM Sonam Norzin appreciated the contribution of blood donors and organisations and appealed particularly to the youth to develop a spirit of voluntary blood donation and encourage others to participate.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr Tenzin Kunga, Medical Superintendent, KDS District Hospital, Tawang.