Agartala, June 14: The first Blood Collection and Transportation Van of Tripura was flagged-off by Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha in Agartala on Friday.

The flagging off ceremony was a part of the state-level programme organized on the occasion of World Blood Donor Day 2024 at Rabindra Satabarsiki Bhavan.

The state's first Blood Collection and Transportation Van would be deployed under the Dhalai District Hospital in Kulai, the Chief Minister said, adding that two persons can donate blood simultaneously in this vehicle, and in the coming days, more such vehicles would be introduced.

Speaking to the reporters, 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 also holds the Health portfolio, acknowledged that various 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," he said.

He continued, “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."

Health Secretary Kiran Gitte, Director of Health Services Dr. Sanjib Debbarma along with health officials and students among others were present in the event.