Ranchi: A delegation of patients, guardians and blood donors associated with the Jharkhand Thalassemia Patients Association and “Lahu Bolega” Blood Donation Organisation met Ranchi Deputy Commissioner Mr. Manjunath Bhajantri during the public grievance hearing on Tuesday and demanded a large-scale blood donation campaign in the district.
The delegation said that government, autonomous and community blood banks have been facing an acute shortage of blood for several weeks. Patients suffering from Thalassemia, Sickle Cell Anaemia, Aplastic Anaemia and Haemophilia require two to three units of blood every month. According to the organisation, nearly 2,100 such patients are dependent on blood support in Ranchi district, while the number doubles with patients coming from other districts.
The representatives urged the district administration to make blood donation and awareness campaigns a priority agenda. They also highlighted the non-availability of essential medicines for blood disorder patients, stating that many families are forced to procure medicines from other states at their own expense.
The delegation further raised issues related to ration cards for patients despite their inclusion under the disability category, pension benefits for single women guardians, and free education, scholarships and livelihood support for affected children.
They also demanded awareness, screening and prevention campaigns against blood disorders, social and administrative audits of Ranchi Sadar Hospital Blood Bank and Ranchi Red Cross Society, an air-conditioned Volvo bus for blood donation drives, and the publication of simple awareness pamphlets on the importance of blood donation.
Deputy Commissioner Mr. Manjunath Bhajantri listened to the demands seriously and assured the delegation that practical and justified issues would be addressed on priority.
The delegation included Nadeem Khan along with guardians Seema Devi, Devki Devi, Farhaya Bilqis, Shanti Devi, Saniya Praveen, Shamma Praveen, Mazidan Khatoon, Asgar Khan and blood donors Suraj Jhandai and Md. Babbar.
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