Media Release
Mangaluru, Aug 18: The NSS unit of Srinivas College of Pharmacy, Valachil, in association with the Indian Pharmaceutical Association (IPA), Dakshina Kannada District Local Branch, Mangaluru, and Youth Red Cross Association, organised an awareness programme on ‘Blood cancer and stem cell donation’ on August 18 at Srinivas College of Pharmacy.
The programme was organised with the objective of creating awareness among students and staff about blood cancers, the importance of timely diagnosis and treatment, and the life-saving potential of stem cell donation.
The programme also aimed to motivate eligible individuals to register as potential stem cell donors and contribute towards helping patients suffering from blood cancers and other blood-related disorders.
The programme was convened by Dr A R Shabaraya, principal & director, Srinivas College of Pharmacy, Mangaluru. The resource persons for the programme were Saswati Dutta and Fedrica Edin Brow from DKMS Foundation, Bengaluru. They provided valuable information about blood cancer, stem cell transplantation, donor eligibility, the process of stem cell donation, and the importance of maintaining a strong donor registry.
The resource persons explained how a compatible stem cell donor can provide a potentially life-saving treatment option for patients requiring stem cell transplantation. The students were encouraged to understand the significance of voluntary donation and to spread awareness about stem cell donation among their families and communities.
The programme witnessed enthusiastic participation from a large number of students and faculty members. An interactive session was conducted during which participants had the opportunity to clarify their doubts regarding stem cell donation, donor registration, eligibility criteria and the donation procedure.
Following the awareness session, a ‘Stem cell donor registration drive’ was conducted to provide an opportunity for eligible participants to register as potential donors. The initiative received encouraging participation from the students and staff.
Dr Shripathy D, NSS programme officer, coordinated the programme. Dr Kumara Prasad SA, professor, Srinivas College of Pharmacy and vice president, IPA Local Branch, Mangaluru, and Priyanka M Rao, students council president were present during the programme.
The programme successfully created awareness regarding blood cancer and highlighted the importance of stem cell donation in saving lives. It also encouraged students to become responsible members of society by participating in voluntary donor-registration initiatives.
The programme concluded with a note of appreciation to the resource persons, organizers, faculty members and students for their active participation and support. The event was a meaningful initiative towards promoting health awareness, social responsibility and voluntary stem cell donation among the student community.