SRINAGAR: Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare and Education, Sakeena Itoo, today emphasized on the importance of blood donation drives, underlining that these drives are ‘a lifeline that can save countless lives during emergencies, medical procedures and natural disasters’.
The Minister made these remarks while speaking at a Blood Donation & Wellness Camp at Gindun Stadium, Rajbagh here, organised by Team Red NGO in collaboration with Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council (JKSC) and SKIMS Soura.
Advisor to Chief Minister, Nasir Aslam Wani; MLA Lal Chowk, Sheikh Ahsan Pardesi; Secretary JKSC, healthcare professionals, members of Team Red NGO and a large number of youth were also present on the occasion.
In her address, the Health Minister underscored the critical importance of regular blood donation drives, describing them as essential for saving lives during crucial times. She highlighted that voluntary blood donation is not only a noble act of charity but also a civic duty that strengthens the resilience of the healthcare system.
Highlighting the urgent need for increased public awareness, the Health Minister called upon individuals, corporate entities, and community organizations to actively participate in and promote such initiatives. She stressed on the importance of conducting such drives in every nook and corner of the valley, taking on board educational institutions at the district and block levels.
“Every unit of blood donated can be a difference between life and death for a patient in critical need,” the Minister remarked, urging citizens, especially youth to overcome apprehensions and come forward for this selfless cause.
Reaffirming the Government’s commitment to the upgradation of healthcare facilities, the Minister said that we are committed to assisting such efforts and facilitating all those who come forward for these noble causes. She further said that the strengthening of medical care facilities at grassroots level remains the priority of Omar Abdullah-led Government, adding that in recent months the Government has amplified medical care facilities from block and district levels.
The Minister also lauded the organisers for organising this Blood Donation and Wellness Camp, while calling for sustained efforts from one and all towards building a healthier and more responsible society.
