Awareness rally organised to address blood shortage in M'luru

Mangaluru: As part of the build-up to its milestone 500th blood donation camp scheduled for June 14, Blood Donors Mangaluru, in association with Zamaan Boys Kalladka, recently organised a special drive by holding simultaneous blood donation camps across various hospitals in Dakshina Kannada. Around 150 volunteers donated blood at AJ Hospital, KMC Hospital, Wenlock District Hospital, and Fr Muller Hospital.

To increase awareness, a car rally promoting blood donation was held prior to the camps. The rally began from Kalladka and went through Mangaluru's thoroughfares, stopping at different hospitals where groups of enthusiastic youth, who travelled in the rally vehicles, came forward to donate blood and set an inspiring example.

"April and May usually see a dip in blood supply, but this year the shortage became critical," said Siddiq Manjeshwar, founder of Blood Donors Mangaluru. "We decided to step up efforts to raise awareness and mobilise young donors, especially as demand spikes during these months due to a rise in scheduled surgeries. Compared to other districts, we traditionally managed better, but the soaring temperatures and personal events may have affected turnout this time," he said.

Blood Donors Mangaluru has been organising camps for several years, both within India and abroad. With 497 camps already completed, the 500th event is expected to be held on a grand scale. "We are aiming for at least 500 donors to take part in this milestone event," Siddiq added.