628 people donate blood in Naval Dockyard

Visakhapatnam: A record of 628 volunteers including women had donated blood in the Blood Donation Camp organised at Naval Dockyard as part of Navy Day on Friday.

The camp was inaugurated by Rear Admiral Amit Bose, Visakhapatnam Admiral Superintendent of Naval Dockyard and witnessed an overwhelming response from amongst the uniformed navy personnel, defence civilian personnel and their families. The donated blood was later handed over to KGH, AS Raja Voluntary Blood Bank and NTR Memorial Trust.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr K Shyamala Devi, Head of Department, Blood Bank, KGH, stressed on the need to build awareness about voluntary blood donation. She highlighted that there was often a 30-40 per cent shortfall of blood every year and that each unit of blood could be fractionated and used for up to 4 different patients, thus helping in saving lives.

She added that any healthy adult could safely donate blood 3 to 4 times in a year. Towards this end, she added that the contribution of the naval community to the patients of Visakhapatnam and adjoining areas has been invaluable.

Dr A Sugandhi, Medical Director, AS Raja Voluntary Blood Bank and Dr PS Vasanta Rao Medical Director, NTR Memorial Trust Blood Bank also spoke.