Manipal, March 22, 2025 – SAMVEDNA-2, an International Blood Donation Awareness Campaign, was successfully conducted at Muniyal Institute of Ayurveda Medical Sciences, Manipal, in collaboration with the District Government Hospital, Udupi, and the District AIDS Prevention and Control Unit.
The event was presided over by Dr. Satish Acharya, District AYUSH Officer, District AYUSH Hospital, Udupi, along with Dr. Veena Kumari, Chief Medical Officer, Blood Bank, District Government Hospital, Udupi. Other esteemed guests included Mr. M. M. Kotresh, Lecturer, Vidya College of Nursing, Kaup; Dr. Satyanarayana Bhat, Principal, Muniyal Institute of Ayurveda Medical Sciences; Dr. Aparna Surendra, Principal, Muniyal Institute of Yoga and Naturopathy; and Mr. Yogesh Shetty, Chief Administrative Officer.
Key Highlights of the Event:
Dr. Satish Acharya emphasized the importance of voluntary blood donation and its life-saving impact.
Dr. Veena Kumari addressed the participants, highlighting that Udupi is leading in blood donation. She shared essential guidelines for donation, including the minimum hemoglobin requirement of 12.5 gm% and the eligibility criteria for regular donors up to the age of 65 years.
She also stressed that donors should be free from infections, well-rested, and off antibiotics before donating blood.
Women can donate blood once every four months, while men can donate every three months.
Significance of Blood Donation:
Dr. Aparna Surendra described blood donation as a noble cause, referring to “Rakta Dana” as the highest form of donation according to ancient Indian traditions.
Dr. Satyanarayana Bhat expressed gratitude to all participants and emphasized the importance of Rakta (blood) as a vital dhatu in Ayurveda, even regarded by ancient scholars as the fourth dosha.
Statistics presented during the event revealed that 5 crore people worldwide require blood annually, with 50-60% of the demand met through donations. In India alone, 38,000 blood donations are needed daily, and every two seconds, a person requires blood.
Blood Donation Drive Success
The event witnessed significant participation, resulting in the collection of 145 units of blood, marking a major contribution toward saving lives and promoting the noble cause of blood donation.
The event was coordinated by Dr. Navaneeth, Associate Professor, while Dr. Ashitha, Associate Professor, efficiently conducted the program as the Master of Ceremonies. The event commenced with a welcome speech by Dr. Reeny Dias, Assistant Professor, and concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Rashmi, Assistant Professor, Muniyal College of Naturopathy.
SAMVEDNA-2 successfully spread awareness about the lifesaving impact of voluntary blood donation, encouraging individuals to continue supporting this selfless service.
