Promoting Voluntary 2012 | 26

Hassle Free Blood for patients -Our Responsibility

umans have been de- are measures that do little service to Dr Usha Kandaswamy scribed as a choice the objective of any efficient system. Scientific Officer making species with Human beings are a part of a whole; MSW Department of the opportunity to we have to bring ourselves to be- Transfusion Medicine, Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for shape life events and lieve and nurture a collective con- Medical Sciences and Technology, Htake steps towards a better life for sciousness of supporting patients Trivandrum 695011, Kerala, oneself and for everyone. A complete and absolve them from the burden email: [email protected] voluntary blood donation programme of arranging their own blood do- for the State, to have 100% vol- nors. Patients are already struggling are for rendering the services to untary blood donations, to proudly to meet their most immediate and such targeted populations. A volun- support the blood needs of our pa- emergency needs. It is not a charity tary blood donor programme, a well tients is one such choice. It is high service that we will be offering them, stocked blood bank is a guarantee time that we realize our responsibil- it is not out of sympathy but it is for the society that blood will be ity to do so!!! with due respect for every human available at all times to all patients life the worth and dignity of every requiring it. For this to happen there At present we are well positioned to individual that we stand for that we is a need for a continuous flow of advance in this direction, whether it argue for a complete voluntary blood blood donors to donate blood in blood be collaboration, networking, advo- donor system. banks. Blood is an everyday need in cacy, capacity building we have it. I am sure that we as society in one hospitals and needs voluntary blood When social, political, cultural, eco- voice will agree to this”. Now let us donors on an everyday basis. I take nomical factors coincide they create examine ourselves. this opportunity “to appeal to all a great potential for positive actions. persons of common blood groups O+ Such an effort will have long term Role of society: , B+ , A+ to donate blood at peri- gains that places it in a position The basic postulate is that society odical intervals of three months, six much higher than the short term should ensure the physical and men- months or at least once in year comforts that we have now with the tal well being of individuals and more to come forward and donate blood present system. Projecting favour- so when an individual is in a crisis. at blood banks (for us these are able statistics, changing definitions Many of our welfare programmes the most precious donations!)”. The

1 reason is that nearly 90% of our Role of NGO’s Role of Blood banks population is of these groups and Since many years, NGOs put in ef- The sole mission of blood services is very much in demand or needed on a forts on National and International to provide a life-saving service by daily basis. The fact is that very of- levels to fill the gaps in health ser- ensuring an adequate supply of safe ten there is shortage of even these vice delivery. NGOs have performed blood for transfusions. Most blood groups in blood bank. I would also and achieved the results because of banks in our State in fact in our like to point out very humbly, that the ability to interact and reach the country are hospital based hence blood donor enlisted panels, carefully population in a better way and suc- the differences in prevailing circum- stored in the pages of registers are cess results because of the confi- stances of blood banks is apparent. of little use in meeting blood needs dence of the people in them to solve In the absence of a centralized set of transfusion patients! A few mobile their problems. The field of inter- up each blood bank is left to fend camps or mass donations can only fill vention often being - education, for itself. The chain of activities in in gaps. Our people should be geared promotion, social marketing, com- a blood service gives an identity and to this reality. WHO has observed munity development and advocacy. It an image that could make the biggest that even if 2% of population do- captures attention for the voluntary impact. One key area identified that nates blood in any region that region blood donor programme for the op- is integral to this are the donors, can enjoy self sufficiency in blood. portunity they provide of a proactive a move to a total voluntary donors Organized and unorganized sectors partnership to serve the cause and would significantly help achieving the should wake up to this call and help presents a framework for a mean- ultimate goal of providing the safest blood banks to achieve optimum level ingful engagement of activity. possible blood transfusion. The role of voluntary blood donations. Even if Involving the NGOs for health sys- and responsibility of blood banks in we have 20 donors from 20 differ- tem strengthening may eventually this is manifold – to adopt a policy ent groups donating blood every 3 contribute to create a healthcare of a complete voluntary blood do- months and more such groups join- system reflecting an increased effi- nor system, to help creating a com- ing in with just 10 – 20 donors on a ciency, more equity and good gover- mitted blood donor base, to provide routine intervals at least 5 days a nance in the wake of the goals we set the facility and congenial atmosphere week can make Thiruvanandapuram for ourselves. It is all about creating for voluntary blood donors, to focus District be self sufficient in blood positive relationships advancing so- on repeat regular concept of blood without depending on patients to cial environment for collective human donation and most of all to win the bring their own blood donors. Stud- good. Nevertheless, we have to do trust and confidence of the public. ies have shown that it is burdensome some home work and pre-requisites Blood Banks are the best ambassa- for care givers of patients to ar- have to be fulfilled before moving dors, when it comes to donor recruit- range for blood donors and a cause on. NGOs need the guidance of an ment and donor management. The of psychosocial and financial concern efficient nodal agency to help them society depends on the blood center for them. with them carry on with the agenda for resources, blood donor motiva- in a more scientific and systematic tors draw the inspiration and guid- Regina Muelle (2000) has made manner. They have to be encour- ance provided by committed blood following comments on voluntary aged to adorn the role of facilita- banks. It is almost an empowerment work in communities “Development tors, mediators, leaders and activ- process for individuals and society. is a dynamic process. Finally, it is ists for the cause of voluntary blood NGOs discharge their duties better, the people who make the difference. donation rather seriously. There is with better compliance and the most Their commitment, dedication, skills a need for engaging existing skills pleased are blood donors for they and knowledge, along with their in- in the new context. Mobilizing citizen can donate blood safely and surely herited culture, beliefs and values advocacy and support is the magic! without apprehension. are what make neighborhood and Under utilization of this valuable re- community support systems pos- source is one of the drawbacks of Conclusion sible”. voluntary blood donor programme We just discussed the issue in three “the program is good, but the dis- broad entities. With a positive out- This calls for universal attention, an ease is better” commented Smith look we can count on social capital enhanced perspective, moving away Nonini in 2005 when he was disap- which comprises features of society from restrictive practices, emphasiz- pointed with on his health projects. that facilitate co-operation for mu- ing on the sacredness of human life We have lessons to learn and learn tual benefit and wellbeing. We need and respond positively to it. fast, we should! to promote multi-level dialogue,

2 critical thinking and partnerships sist by working for an improved, full integration of efforts to make this where the “voice” of people are fledged voluntary blood donation programme into an energetic health heard and create receptive social programme. Much needed are com- initiative opens up exciting possibili- environments where we are will- mitted, well informed alliances to play ties for translating this movement ing to recognise “needs” and as- an active role in this process. The from “rhetoric to reality”.

World AIDS Day Inaugural Ceremony

Dr. P V Sulochana, Blood Transfusion Officer, SCTIMST

Mr. M Vasudevan, Business Development Manager, Mr.Yoshihiro Kimura, Chairman., Technopark TERUMO PENPOL Limited Mr. C Padmakumar, Executive Director, TERUMO PENPOL Limited

World AIDS Day Observance @ TechnoPark Organized by TERUMO PENPOL Limited, TECHNOPARK and TEJUS, an NGO Based at Technopark

echnopark, Terumo Penpol VBD contest were distributed by the acute shortage of blood faced & Tejus jointly observed Mr. Yoshihiro Kimura, Chairman TPL. by various hospitals in Trivandrum the World AIDS Day at In his speech on “How Technopark such as Sree Chitra, Medical College Technopark on Nov 30 could promote VBD”, Mr. C Pad- and especially RCC, in his Welcome 2012.T The event was inaugu- makumar, Executive Director, TPL, speech. rated by Mr. M Vasudevan, Senior shared his idea on how a system- Mr. Vasudevan promised his sup- Manager, Business Development, atic approach of Voluntary Blood port from Technopark for conduct- Technopark. The event was a huge donation at Technopark can make ing regular Blood donation camps success with a good number of a huge difference in solving the at Technopark and addressed techies attending the event and current Blood crisis and empha- the techies, that out of 40000 approximately 55 voluntary blood sized the importance of repeat employees of Technopark, even if donations. Voluntary Blood Donations. Mr. half of them could regularly donate “The effort was great and the camp Varghese VJ from Gemini Software blood it can make a huge difference was well organized. Congratula- Solutions, gave a brief introduc- to cater to the ever growing blood tions All.”, said Dr. P.V. Sulochana, tion on TEJUS, a charitable society requirements at various hospitals in SCTIMST. The prizes for Slogan and registered as NGO and highlighted Trivandrum.

3 Blood Donation Camp Organized by TEJUS at TECHNOPARK as part of World AIDS Day Observance

A Blood Donor’s Dreams Jinsil P K, Malabar Christian College, Shares His Experience

“The joy of giving and the pleasure donation in the college has been this year after my graduation, I will of social service make life worth providing blood to nearby hospitals be concentrating on social service living,” said Jinsil P.K., a third year in the city for years. which I think no professional degree J student of history at the Malabar Malabar Christian College had the matches as the spirit of helping Christian College (MCC). best blood donating record amongst someone lives on in people’s minds. Jinsil has been adjudged the best colleges in the State last year. I will be organizing more pro- blood donor (2011) by the Uni- Major programmes in the college grammes aimed at getting more and versity of Calicut which selects highlight social service and provide more students to donate blood,” J the best donors from the colleges assistance to financially weaker added Jinsil. under it. students. The college has been organiz- Jinsil, who has been an active NSS “I am so happy to be part of such ing blood bank donation camps and volunteer for more than five years, a noble service — more than 10 raising funds for cleaning drives and J is also the college secretary of the patients are saved by my blood eco-friendly initiatives. NSS unit at MCC. donation,” said Jinsil. Source: Deccan Chronicle The Red Ribbon Club of blood “Even though I leave the college J J J J 4 Big Thanks to Big FM !! for supporting TERUMO PENPOL to Promote Voluntary Blood Donation

RJ NIZAM of Big FM having fun and games with Staff of Techno park as part of World AIDS Day Observance

The winners of VBD Contest organized as part of World AIDS Observance by TERUMO PENPOL Limited receiving the Award From Mr.Yoshihiro Kimura, Chairman, TERUMO PENPOL Limited

The winners of Slogan Contest organized as part of World AIDS Observance by TERUMO PENPOL Limited receiving the Award From Mr.Yoshihiro Kimura, Chairman, TERUMO PENPOL Limited

5 Letters To Who can The Editor donate blood? Ideally a donor should: * Weigh 45kg or more * Have a haemoglobin count that Dear Baby, Medicine, Cochin Medical is not less than 12.5 g/dl I have been receiving the Blood College, Cochin-683503 * Have normal body temperature Line Journal on line.The current at the time of donation issue is very well designed and * Be free of any at the attractive am moved by the story Dear Ma’am, time of donation of Vineetha and her bridegroom Thanks for sending the copy of donating blood on their wedding the journal. Who should not day.This will definitely inspire the It was nice to see that a lot of donate blood? youth.May God bless them with activity is happening and the * People with heart, kidney or health,wealth and happiness. journal is covering the activities liver , and blood disor- Best regards very well..All the best. ders Dr Poonam Shrivastava, Best Regards, * Those who are on medication Medical Director, Lions Blood Gautam Shankar for or Bank, CEO, GES Infotek * Those who have undergone a Mob: +91 (9895) 577 566 major surgery recently * Those who have had an attack Thank you, Baby. of jaundice, rubella, typhoid or It is highly informative and useful. Dear Baby, malaria There is a lot of information Thank you for the Blood Line * Persons suffering from infec- which can be useful for the journal. All success for the Blood tions such as Aids, hepatitis, common people. donation programmes of Penpol. syphilis and malaria Dr. Raja Ummer Regards, * Pregnant or breast-feeding HOD & Professor & Police Althaf women Surgeon, Dept.of Forensic Vyomayan * Those who have recently had an abortion * Those who have consumed alcohol in the last 48 hours * Those who are on steroids, hormonal supplements or certain specified medication * Those with multiple sexual Some partners Common * Drug addicts Misconceptions Blood donation is bad for only need to avoid tough exercises health Blood donation, in fact, or heavy weight-lifting for 12 hours helps prevent accumulation of ex- after donation cess iron and reduces chances of Common blood types like cardiovascular diseases O+ are readily available Blood donation will result Demand for common types is great- in a deficit of blood Blood er because of the numbers involved volume returns to normal levels Blood donation may lead within 24-48 hours after donation to infections such as HIV Dr.Sulochana motivating A day’s rest is required New and sterilised needles are used, Technopark Staff to after blood donation You there is no risk of infections donate blood

6 Every Anoop Shaji, a 4th Semester Student of Sree Chitra College of Blood Donor Engineering, Shares One of His is a Hero Blood Donation Experiences...

t’s a rarity nowadays to spot his friend’s relative. Realizing the whom I approach for any sort of people without mobile phones. urgency of the situation and the help with regard to finding blood Majority of you would have fact that the message was genuine, donors and associated things when received forwarded messages I decided to donate my blood for a need arises. It was in mid Sep- Irequesting the donation of blood the first time in my life. I went to tember that he asked me whether groups. The important question is, a private hospital in the city, met I could donate blood for a 14 year how many of us have paid heed to up with the person whom my friend old blood cancer patient from it? Dileep had asked me to contact and Kozhikode undergoing treatment When I was in class 9 at Loyola he directed me to the ‘blood bank’. at the Regional Cancer Centre. My School, Thiruvananthapuram, on a Though I was slightly apprehensive answer was obviously yes as it had fine Wednesday morning, instead of what was going to follow, once been almost close to four months of the usual weekly school assem- the nurse gave me a sponge ball before my previous donation. bly, we had a ‘special’ assembly. asking me to squeeze it so that This particular blood donation has The assembly was indeed special blood would flow from my veins to assumed significance. There was a because it was during that session the ‘blood bag’, I felt relaxed. The hartal on the day I was supposed of 30 odd minutes that turned my process went off smoothly without to donate my blood. Kerala, being perspective on blood donation from any problem whatsoever. a state that celebrates hartals and something that might turn out to “All is well that ends well” goes my house being in the heart of the be detrimental to one of the best the saying but this particular scene city, it would be a highly risky to things one could do in life very did not have a happy ending as make voyages in private vehicles. easily. It is mere coincidence that far as I’m concerned. As a token Since I love to walk, I decided to Mrs. Baby P.S., who is my close of gratitude, the person who had walk a distance of three kilometres friend’s mother and PRO at Terumo directed me gave a small amount of from Palayam to Pattom as the pa- Penpol, who enlightened the high money. Though I refused, he made tient’s father told me that he could school students of my school about me take it. For him, it was a token come to Pattom to pick me up, for blood donation gave me a call last of appreciation. To me, it was like he wasn’t too acquainted with the week asking me to share my blood selling my blood. Fortunately, things city but was pretty familiar with donation experiences. did end well, when I returned the Pattom. From there on, it was a As I had mentioned earlier, like amount to Dileep, who helped me repeat of the usual procedures. The majority of people out there, I too get the money across to its source. donation went well and he dropped have a mobile phone. Like oth- That is the story of my first blood me back at Palayam. As I had men- ers, I have also received forwarded donation. tioned earlier, this donation turned messages innumerable times. In the Fast forward fifteen months and a out to be significant.When I re- beginning, i.e., about one and a total of four blood donations later, turned home, I received Vivek’s call half years back, I used to forward the situation has changed a bit. thanking me for what I did though it the messages to a good number of With Telecom Regulatory Authority was a routine exercise. people in my contacts list. Soon, I of India (TRAI) having limited send- Like every other person who has learnt two lessons. 1) Many people ing of SMSs to an extent, I haven’t tried to arrange donors, he and I see such messages as mere jokes & received a single message that has have heard a slew of excuses from 2) Some of the messages are not not been genuine for some time. others for not donating blood. Right genuine. Many of my friends have changed from “I have got to go the gym” to It was one such message that their attitude towards blood dona- “If I donate blood, I will get cancer” prompted me to make my first blood tion and some have even made it a and even to “I won’t be able to give donation. Towards the middle of habit. birth”, we have heard every rea- August last year, I received a mes- It is in such a context that I need son. Some sound hilarious and some sage from an elder friend of mine, to mention about my friend Vivek shock us. Dileep, requesting anyone with O+ Nair. He is truly a source of in- When Vivek told me that he’ll be blood to make a blood donation for spiration for me and is one person updating his status in Facebook

7 congratulating me for walking this for others to draw inspiration. Have donation has now become a prac- much of a distance to do some- they? Answer is partly yes and tice. I want to make my life useful thing noble when people all around partly no. Hitting the like button to others even if it is in a small are making silly excuses, I strongly isn’t too difficult a task but getting way. I don’t believe in charity being disagreed. Finally, he convinced rid of the misconceptions of the defined as giving out money to ev- me about the point he was go- noble deed and coming forward to ery other person who knocks your ing to make. He was giving a go at comply is slightly difficult. Anyway, door. Donating blood for people ‘inspiring’ more people. He slightly a few people at least have drawn in need is a way through which I changed the script by projecting me inspiration and have come forward think I make my life useful. Our as a person who walked ten kilome- to make their first donations and nation faces a shortage in num- tres (not the three kilometres that certain others have made it a habit. ber of donors largely due many I really covered) to donate blood The others haven’t changed. It misconceptions. Rather than sitting for a 14 year old girl. doesn’t take much to give a reply on such misconceptions about the The update was a hit garnering of ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ to a message but a noble act, wouldn’t it be nice if more than a 100 likes and another large chunk of the people still don’t you could do something good for friend of mine sharing it, which got even do that. That is disheartening the society? Who knows, one day another 100 likes. I received a few we may need someone else’s blood phone calls as well. All of these From my own experience, what for our survival. Make sure to do gestures were tokens of apprecia- started as a wish to do something it ‘voluntarily’. As the saying goes, tion. But, what Vivek wanted was, new for the novelty of it, blood “Every blood donor is a hero”. Motivate to Donate Sudarshan Agarwal shares his experience in the Week Magazine. He is the President Emeritus, Rotary Blood Bank, New Delhi and former Governor of Uttarakhand and Sikkim.

lood donation in India is unabated. It is sad that in a coun- Rotary Blood Bank in Delhi. In- better than what it was try of 1.2 billion people, we cannot spired by its success, I motivated a few years ago, but it is get 13 to 14 million units of blood the medical fraternity in Dehradun not a happy situation yet. a year. to set up India’s largest voluntary ThereB are many issues that need to blood bank in the accident-prone be tackled. The first and foremost Not much effort has gone into hilly state of Uttarakhand. is the fact that most blood banks motivating people to donate blood. are still giving whole blood, while Besides, hospital-based blood banks If young people are encouraged to it should ideally be separated into find it convenient to ask the pa- donate blood on special occasions three different components—RBCs, tients’ relatives to find donors so such as their birthdays and wed- fresh frozen plasma and platelets. that they don’t have to make any ding anniversaries, there will be no The National Aids Control Organiza- efforts to organise blood donation shortage of blood in life-threaten- tion should encourage component camps. I strongly feel that hospital- ing situations. I firmly believe that separation throughout the country. based blood banks should not be a blood donation creates an egali- profit-driven enterprise. This goes tarian, caring and compassionate Next, we need to encourage vol- against the ethics of blood donation. society. untary blood donation because it is the only way we can get qual- The Rotary Club has set up a Donating blood is a divine ex- ity blood. Despite Supreme Court number of blood banks in differ- perience and I wish every healthy guidelines on a writ petition filed by ent parts of the country purely individual stretches out his arm to H.D. Shourie, replacement donation as a public service. I was part of give blood so that many a life can by professional donors continues the team that helped establish the be saved.

The Voluntary Blood Donation Journal • Editor: Baby PS, PRO, Terumo Penpol Limited, Sasthamangalam, Thiruvananthapuram. Trivandrum Tel: 3015602, Mob: 9388022400 www.terumopenpol.com email: [email protected]/[email protected] Designed & Printed at: Ph:+91 9447555376 8