Media Release
Mangaluru, Jun 16: The department of Immunohematology & Blood Transfusion (IHBT), along with Yenepoya Medical College Hospital Blood Centre, commemorated World Blood Donor Day 2026 on June 13 at the EMD Auditorium, Yenepoya Medical College Hospital.
The programme was organised to honour voluntary blood donors and blood donation camp organisers whose selfless contributions continue to save countless lives. This year’s World Health Organisation theme, ‘One Drop of Humanity. Give Blood. Save Lives.’, highlighted the spirit of compassion and solidarity embodied by voluntary blood donors worldwide.
The programme was inaugurated in the presence of distinguished dignitaries. The chief guest for the occasion was Dr Satheesh Rao, member of the managing committee, Indian Red Cross Society (Dakshina Kannada), and emeritus professor, department of psychiatry, KS Hegde Medical Academy. The guests of honour included Dr Habib Rahaman AA, medical superintendent, Yenepoya Medical College Hospital, and Dr Abhay S Nirgude, vice principal, Yenepoya Medical College. The programme was presided over by Dr Prakash Robert M Saldanha, principal, Yenepoya Medical College.
The event commenced with an invocation followed by a welcome address delivered by Dr Indira S Puthran, professor and head, department of immunohematology & blood transfusion. A ceremonial lamp-lighting marked the formal inauguration of the programme.
The Blood Centre Annual Report 2025–26 was presented by Dr Vidya Rekha R Kamath, chief of YMCH Blood Centre, showcasing the achievements, milestones, blood collection statistics, voluntary blood donation activities, and transfusion services rendered during the year.
As part of the celebrations, voluntary blood donation camp organisers and dedicated Single Donor Platelet (SDP) donors were felicitated in recognition of their invaluable contribution towards ensuring the availability of safe blood and blood components for patients in need. Their commitment and humanitarian service were widely appreciated by the gathering.
Addressing the audience, chief guest Dr Satheesh Rao emphasized the importance of voluntary blood donation as a social responsibility and highlighted the profound impact a single donation can have in saving lives. He commended the efforts of blood donors, organisers, and healthcare professionals in promoting a culture of regular voluntary blood donation. He also emphasised the importance of organ donation and highlighted the need to create greater public awareness about organ donation. He encouraged individuals to pledge to donate their organs, thereby giving the gift of life to those in need.
The presiding officer addressed the gathering and congratulated all the voluntary blood donation camp organisers for their invaluable contribution towards promoting voluntary blood donation. He appreciated their continued support in ensuring an adequate and safe blood supply for patients in need. He also proudly announced the commencement of the department of immunohematology and blood transfusion, highlighting it as a significant milestone in strengthening transfusion medicine services, academic activities, and patient care at the institution.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Dr Gloria Venessa Quadros, expressing gratitude to the dignitaries, donors, organisers, volunteers, and all participants for making the celebration a grand success.
The World Blood Donor Day 2026 celebration reaffirmed the Blood Centre’s commitment to promoting safe blood donation practices and recognising the extraordinary contribution of voluntary blood donors who selflessly donate the gift of life.