Odisha Governor and President of the Indian Red Cross Society (IRCS) Odisha State Branch, Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati, stressed the critical need to raise awareness about blood donation among youth, particularly in higher educational institutions, during the IRCS State Branch Executive Committee meeting held at Raj Bhavan’s New Abhishek Hall.
The meeting, held on August 13, focused on promoting voluntary blood donation to address health challenges and save lives.
Dr. Kambhampati called for organising blood donation camps two to three times a year in colleges and universities to encourage student participation. He emphasised educating students about the life-saving impact of blood donation and dispelling myths that deter potential donors. “Blood donation is a noble act that can save countless lives, yet misconceptions persist. We must inspire students to contribute to this cause,” he said during his address.
The Governor also reviewed the state’s efforts to manage thalassemia and sickle cell disease, inquiring about steps to ensure blood availability for affected patients. He highlighted low haemoglobin levels as a significant barrier to women’s participation in blood donation camps, urging targeted interventions to address this issue. Additionally, he expressed concern over the rising incidence of vision problems among school children, calling for proactive measures to tackle health challenges.
A detailed PowerPoint presentation showcased the IRCS Odisha State Branch’s ongoing activities, including its efforts to promote blood donation and support health initiatives. The Governor directed officials to ensure the timely submission of financial reports to maintain transparency and efficiency. The meeting saw active participation from key stakeholders, including the Minister of School and Mass Education, ST & SC Development, Minorities and Backward Classes Welfare, Nityananda Gond, and Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Parliamentary Affairs, Electronics, and IT, Dr. Mukesh Mahaling, who delivered insightful remarks.
Commissioner-cum-Secretary Smt. Roopa Roshan Sahu delivered the welcome address, while IRCS Honorary Secretary Ganesh Chandra Patra presented agenda-related updates. Senior officials from the Health, Panchayati Raj, and Higher Education departments attended, alongside district officials who joined virtually, ensuring a comprehensive discussion on the state’s health and blood donation initiatives.
The meeting underscored the IRCS’s commitment to fostering a culture of voluntary blood donation and addressing critical health issues in Odisha, with a focus on engaging the youth and ensuring accessible healthcare for all.
