Pics: Brijesh Garodi
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (DV)

Mangalore, Dec 9: “As part of its centenary year, Catholic Association of South Kanara (CASK) handed over a minus 80 degree deep freezer to the blood bank unit of Father Muller Hospital, Mangalore. As part of the centenary programme, CASK has undertaken various projects like promotion of blood, organ, and body donation. Presently, we are facing a blood shortage of 3 million units. This will be beneficial to thousands of people ,” said Dr Derek Lobo, president, CASK.

He was speaking while handing over the freezer to the blood bank unit of Father Muller Hospital on Monday December 9.

On this occasion, Bishop Dr Alyosius P D’ Souza blessed the occasion with religious rituals. 

Vivek Aranha, chairman, Rosary Education Group, Pune, who donated the freezer, said, “There are many cases of skin transplants; we have seen the sufferings of patients, hence, we have established skin banks in Pune. In society, people have strong relations hence some may fear to donate body organs. Social activists should create awareness about this and then the result will be positive. We are even ready to help you to establish free mobile mammography units for rural areas and skin banks which can reach the poor .”

Fr Patrick Rodrigues, director, Father Muller Institutions, said, “This machine has enabled the capacity to store collected 300 units of blood for five years which can be used for various purposes”.

On this occasion, vice-president of CASK, Capt Hugh Vas, Capt J P Menezes secretary of CASK, treasurer Walter D’ Sa, Richard Cohelo, Rudolp  R D’ Sa, Oswald D’ Cunha, Winston D’ Souza, Zozimus Pais, Dr Antony Mathais, J J V Fernandes, Richard Rodrigues, Capt Vincent Pais, Zita Farias, Dorothy Vaz, Trevor Pinto, and Norbert Moras were present on the occasion.