Kohima: Nagaland University observed World Blood Donor Day at its Lumami headquarters this week, hosting an awareness program aimed at addressing misconceptions about donating blood. The event featured university leadership, including Vice-Chancellor Prof. J.K. Patnaik, who shared a personal experience of requiring a transfusion during a 2020 medical procedure to highlight the vital importance of the practice.
Nursing Officer Lanumenla Changkilari led the educational session, clarifying that individuals with managed health conditions like hypertension or diabetes may often qualify as donors after speaking with a physician. She reassured potential donors that the process is safe and physically manageable, as a standard collection typically removes less than ten percent of a person's total blood volume. Addressing donor anxiety, she said, "Temporary weakness or discomfort experienced by some donors is generally mild and short-lived."
Beyond the immediate medical necessity, the presentation covered various health benefits for donors, such as improved cardiovascular health and reduced inflammation. The Vice-Chancellor encouraged the university community to adopt blood donation as a commitment to public health, famously calling blood "life" during his address. The university also extended its efforts beyond the campus, participating in a blood drive held at the Civil Hospital in Mokokchung on June 14.
Comments