By Alok S
Pics by Violet Pereira
Team Mangalorean

Mangalore: The Kasturb Medical College hospital here observed the World Blood Donors' Day on Thursday  June 14, by organizing a blood donation camp in its premises near Dr Ambedkar Circle .

Dakshina Kannada MP Nalin Kumar Kateel inaugurated the camp. Although he was eager to donate blood himself and set an example, he was not allowed do so on account of his slight indisposition. Several members from institutes, corporates, clubs and associations attended this voluntary blood donation camp.

Kateel said, "Donate Blood, Save Life, Save India" by dropping a line on the donors' board. Senior VP operations DrSunil Deshpande, being the first donor of the camp, said, "Donate Blood, Save Life, Be a Hero! I am one today!". He invited the public to be heroes too. He said that the blood donation campaign would be on for a week and healthy donors could come forward to the hospital's blood bank to donate their blood. 

KMC hospital's blood bank is first in the state to be accredited by NABH. It offers round-the-clock services geared to deliver excellent and efficient patient care. All blood collected through donation is checked for HIV, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Syphilis and Malaria. Grouping and cross-matching is mandatory and done for every blood issue.

In exceptional cases like Thalassemia, Hemophilia, Sickle Cell Anemia and HIV +ive patients, where the patient requires regular blood transfusion, the hospital's blood bank provides 100% subsidy.