Tripura Chief Minister Prof. Dr Manik Saha on Friday flagged off a Blood Collection & Transportation Van (BCTV), the first of its kind in the state.

Dr Saha also inaugurated an event on World Blood Donor Day 2024 and a voluntary blood donation camp at Rabindra Satabarsiki Bhavan.

Addressing the event, Dr Saha said, “I eagerly wait to attend blood donation camps. Blood in our body is one of the biggest gifts given by God. We have different blood groups. During surgery, we first take 2 units of blood in stock and then proceed with the surgery. Blood is always needed. We have set a target to keep 50,000 units of blood, but we have been observing that in the last few years, around 40,000 units of blood have been collected.” Dr Saha, who is also the Health Minister of the state, mentioned that all social clubs, schools, and colleges are coming forward to participate in blood donation.

“We have 14 blood banks, 12 of which are government-run and 2 are private. Now in our state, we can also separate blood components. One person's blood can save four people. Today, I also flagged off a Blood Collection & Transportation Van, which cost Rs 45 lakh. This is the first of its kind and was donated to Dhalai District. Two people can donate blood simultaneously in this vehicle, and in the coming days, more such vehicles will be available,” he said. Dr Saha noted that this vehicle will be deployed under Kulai District Hospital in Dhalai district.

“Donating blood can also be beneficial for one's health. We have around 1,100 registered social clubs and have asked them to organize blood donation camps so that we don’t face any crisis,” he added. During the program, Health and Family Welfare Secretary Kiran Gitte, Director of Health Services Dr Sanjib Debbarma, and others were present.