Bhubaneswar, Sept. 17 (UDN): A mega blood donation camp was organised at the IDCO Exhibition Ground in Unit-3, Bhubaneswar, on Thursday as part of the month-long ‘Seva Sankalp Abhiyan’ marking Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 76th birthday.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi attended the programme and said voluntary blood donation represents an important form of humanitarian service. He pointed out that despite advances in medical science, blood cannot be artificially manufactured and remains essential for saving lives.
State Targets 6,500 Units
The organisers have set a target of collecting more than 6,500 units of blood through the mega drive. Majhi said the state government is working to ensure that shortage of blood does not become a cause of preventable deaths.
Under the 2026-27 state budget, ₹50.54 crore has been earmarked for the ‘Atal Blood Donation Campaign’. The initiative includes setting up blood banks at newly established medical colleges and upgrading existing facilities.
Before attending the camp, the Chief Minister planted an Ashoka sapling at Lok Seva Bhawan.
Ministers, MPs Stress Need For Voluntary Donation
Housing and Urban Development Minister Krushna Chandra Mahapatra said blood donation plays a critical role in emergency healthcare and appealed for the spirit of voluntary service to remain strong.
Rajya Sabha MP Manmohan Samal said the large-scale drive could help replenish blood bank stocks, which, according to him, have faced shortages since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Call To Youth For Social Service
Majhi also urged young people to devote part of their time to social service and community initiatives. He said such participation would contribute to broader nation-building efforts.
The Chief Minister also referred to India’s progress in areas including defence manufacturing, semiconductor technology and space technology, and said the country was moving towards greater self-reliance.
The programme was attended by Rajya Sabha MP Sujeet Kumar, Bhubaneswar MP Aparajita Sarangi, Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari, Ekamra MLA Babu Singh, Khordha MLA Prasanta Kumar Jagadev, Bhatli MLA Irasis Acharya, Mahakalpada MLA Durga Prasan Nayak, youth leader Abhilash Panda, senior leaders, volunteers, blood donors and media representatives.
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