Agartala, August 15: Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha on Saturday said that voluntary blood donation is gradually taking the shape of a mass movement in Tripura, with several clubs and social organizations coming forward spontaneously to organize such humanitarian initiatives.
Inaugurating a blood donation camp at Aurobindo Sangha, Agartala, on the occasion of the 70th Foundation Day of the organization and the 153rd birth anniversary of Hrishi Aurobindo, the Chief Minister said, “We have heard of many forms of donation, but blood donation is above all. A single unit of donated blood can save the lives of three critical patients. Voluntary blood donation is therefore the noblest of all donations.”
He stressed that for a state like Tripura, blood banks must maintain stock equivalent to at least one percent of the population, while also ensuring balance between demand and supply since blood can only be preserved for a limited time. Currently, the state has 14 blood banks—both government and private—along with blood separation centers.
Highlighting the health benefits of donating blood, Dr. Saha noted that a healthy man can donate up to four times a year, and a healthy woman three times. However, he admitted that awareness about blood donation is still lacking among the public. He urged clubs and social organizations to organize awareness campaigns on the subject, adding that initiatives like that of Arvind Sangha will certainly inspire many others.
Turning to the government’s anti-drugs stance, Dr. Saha reiterated Tripura’s “zero tolerance” policy, warning that no one involved in drug trafficking would be spared. On the economic front, he said that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, India has now emerged as the world’s fourth-largest economy, and Tripura too is witnessing rapid growth—ranking second in GSDP among Northeastern states. “Our government believes in action rather than words, guided by the principle of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, and Sabka Prayas,” he asserted.
He also highlighted the successful implementation of the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign in the state, echoing the Prime Minister’s national call.
