ZIRO/TAWANG, OCT 1:
National Voluntary Blood Donation Day was observed at the Blood Centre of Gyati Takka Zonal General Hospital (GTZGH), Ziro, on Thursday with a voluntary blood donation camp organised by the Apatani Teachers Welfare Forum (ATWF) in collaboration with MudoTamo Memorial College (MTMC), Ziro, and the hospital’s Blood Centre.
The camp saw participation from 48 donors, including 22 males and 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 collected blood included five units of A-positive, nine of B-positive, seven of O-positive and five of AB-positive.
The programme was organised under the leadership of ATWF president Nada Tagio and general secretary Tadu Oppo, with participation from MTMC chairperson MudoDumi, faculty members, students and voluntary donors.
Awards and felicitations were also presented to organisations for their contribution to voluntary blood donation. At the State level, the 60th Battalion ITBP, Hapoli, and Apatani Baptist Association were recognised for 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 felicitated.
The organisers said the drive aimed to strengthen community participation and contribute to maintaining a safe and adequate blood supply in Lower Subansiri.
The National Voluntary Blood Donation Day 2026 was also observed at Kalawangpo Hall, General Ground, Tawang, to raise awareness about the importance of voluntary blood donation and encourage greater public participation in the life-saving humanitarian service.
Zilla Parishad Member Sonam Nordzin attended the programme as chief guest, with Assistant Commissioner Tenzin Jambey as guest of honour and the Commanding Officer of Field Hospital, Gajraj Corps, Tawang, as special guest. Health officials, representatives of voluntary blood donor organisations and other participants also attended.
The programme began with the National Anthem, followed by the Voluntary Blood Donation Pledge and inauguration of the blood donation camp.
District Medical Officer Tawang Dr T.D. Namsa, in his welcome address, highlighted the significance of voluntary blood donation in ensuring timely availability of safe blood for patients in need.
Dr Joram Khopey, Deputy Director, State Blood Transfusion Council (SBTC), Directorate of Health Services, Naharlagun, gave an overview of National Voluntary Blood Donation Day 2026 and the prevailing scenario of blood transfusion services in Arunachal Pradesh.
Voluntary blood donor organisations were felicitated for their contribution towards promoting blood donation. The Commanding Officer of Field Hospital, Indian Army, emphasised the humanitarian value of blood donation and encouraged eligible citizens to come forward voluntarily to help save lives.
Sonam Nordzin appreciated the contribution of voluntary blood donors and organisations and appealed to people, particularly the youth, to develop a spirit of voluntary blood donation and inspire others to participate.
