Tripura Chief Minister Prof. Dr Manik Saha on Sunday emphasized the importance of maintaining consistency in blood donation and blood storage, and stressed that blood collection goals should be aligned with the actual demand for blood.

Dr Saha pointed out that blood can only be stored for a limited time before it becomes unusable.

“Therefore, to save the lives of the poor, people of all ages from 18 to 65 years should come forward to donate blood voluntarily. Additionally, the state government has prioritized medical services significantly. To this end, initiatives have been undertaken to benefit the public through the launch of the Chief Minister Jana Arogya Yojana,” said Dr Saha.

Dr Saha said this while inaugurating a Voluntary Blood Donation Camp organized by the members of BJP 8 Town Baradowali Mandal at Baradowali Apanjan Club premises on Sunday.

He noted that there was a blood shortage in the state even during the Covid pandemic.

“If there is not enough blood in the blood bank, both doctors and patients are at a disadvantage. This issue was evident during Covid. Moreover, blood donation was not feasible during the elections. At that time, I called on everyone to donate blood. Various social organizations, clubs, voluntary organizations, and political organizations came forward for voluntary blood donation,” he said.

Dr Saha stated that blood banks should have 1 percent of the total population's blood units. Without sufficient blood stock, doctors face many challenges in providing medical services.

“Donating blood is one of the best gifts in human life. Many people fear that blood donation can cause health problems. But over time, that fear has diminished. Now, people in the state are coming forward to donate blood voluntarily. Students should also be encouraged to donate blood. It can also help keep blood pressure under control,” said Dr Saha, who is also the Health Minister of the state.

The Chief Minister further mentioned that there are currently 6 blood separation centers in the state, four of which are government-run and two are private. Additionally, there are 12 government and 2 private blood banks in the state.

On this occasion, the Chief Minister highlighted various initiatives of the state government in the field of medical services.

BJP state president Rajib Bhattacharya, AMC Mayor and MLA Dipak Majumdar, and other prominent individuals were present as special guests at the event.

The Chief Minister also inaugurated another voluntary blood donation camp organized by the Tripura Civil Service Association.