CHANDIGARH: In a significant milestone, Punjab has been ranked third among all states and union territories (UTs) for its outstanding contribution to voluntary blood donation. This recognition, awarded by the Blood Transfusion Services (BTS) of the Directorate General of Health Services, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (GoI), was presented during the prestigious India Blood Donation NGO Conclave held in Jaipur, Rajasthan, in celebration of National Voluntary Blood Donation Day on October 1, 2024.
Congratulating the State Blood Transfusion Council, Punjab, for this remarkable achievement, Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Balbir Singh stated that this recognition was for its exceptional performance in 2023-24. During this period, the council organised 11, 109 blood donation camps and collected 493, 000 units of blood, exceeding the Government of India's target of 460, 000 units.
The award was received by Joint Director BTS/PSBTC Dr. Sunita Devi and Mr. Surinder Singh on behalf of the state.
Dr Balbir Singh also lauded the continuous efforts of the health and blood transfusion teams in ensuring a stable supply of safe blood. He also acknowledged the support and leadership of the Project Director PSACS cum Director PSBTC, Varinder Kumar Sharma for driving key initiatives and strengthening voluntary blood donation efforts across the state.
Dr Balbir Singh said that Punjab takes pride in its robust network of 182 licensed blood centers, which includes 49 Government blood centers spread across all districts, ensuring comprehensive coverage for patients in need. Among these centers, 83 are licensed Blood Component Separation Units (BCSUs) which includes 26 Government Blood Component Separation Units (BCSUs, providing access to vital blood components like PRBC, platelets and plasma, further enhancing patient care.
He said that blood is available free of cost to all patients in Punjab's public health institutions, including district hospitals, sub-district hospitals, CHCs, PHCs, and Government medical colleges, ensuring that no one is deprived of this life-saving resource.