Tripura CM Manik Saha urged greater awareness on blood and organ donation, highlighting successful kidney transplants in the state. Speaking at a blood donation camp in Agartala, he stressed balancing blood supply, promoting organ donation, and involving society to save lives through these humanitarian acts rooted in culture and compassion.
Tripura Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha has called for greater awareness and participation in blood and organ donation, emphasizing the importance of saving lives through these humanitarian acts. Speaking at a voluntary blood donation camp organized by the State BJP Legal Cell in Agartala on Tuesday, Saha said that both blood and organ donation should become a social movement rooted in compassion and responsibility.
Dr. Saha, who is also a doctor turned politician and currently holds the Health and Family Welfare portfolio, highlighted that Tripura has already made significant progress in the field of organ transplants. “Three kidney transplants have already been successfully done in Tripura, which was never thought of before. Both the donors and the recipients are healthy. The matter related to this is still under process,” he stated.
Organ Donation: A New Frontier in Tripura’s Healthcare
Saha underlined that kidney transplants, once considered impossible in the state, are now a reality, and this progress should encourage more people to come forward. He also stressed the importance of raising awareness about other organ donations, such as liver and heart, which could provide a lifeline to patients battling severe illnesses.
“We need to think more about this. The message of organ donation should also be conveyed to society through lawyers, social activists, and community leaders. Only then will we be able to create an environment where people are more willing to donate organs for the greater good,” he said.
The Chief Minister urged that educational campaigns, seminars, and public outreach programs should be intensified to dispel myths, overcome hesitations, and promote a culture of organ donation in Tripura.
Blood Donation: A Lifesaving Contribution
Turning to blood donation, Saha reiterated that there is no greater donation than giving blood to save a life. Appreciating the initiative of the BJP Legal Cell in organizing the camp, he said, “The fact that lawyers have come forward to donate blood will send a very good message to society. Such steps inspire others and set an example.”
He further noted that the people of Tripura, by tradition, have always had a strong instinct to donate for noble causes. “This spirit of giving is deeply ingrained in our culture and values. Blood and organ donation are simply modern extensions of this age-old spirit of charity and sacrifice,” he remarked.
Balancing Demand and Supply of Blood
Highlighting the scientific aspects of blood donation, the Chief Minister pointed out the challenges associated with different blood groups. Negative blood groups, he said, constitute only about 15 percent of the population, which often creates a mismatch between demand and availability. “It is very necessary to maintain a balance between the demand and supply of blood. Continuous efforts are required to ensure that rare blood types are adequately stored in our blood banks,” he explained.
Tripura currently has 14 blood banks, of which 12 are government-run and two are managed privately. The Tripura State Blood Transfusion Board oversees the stock and distribution of blood across these facilities, ensuring that patients in need receive timely support.
Participation from All Sectors of Society
The event was attended by several prominent personalities, including Dr. Ashok Sinha, an eminent physician and chief of the State BJP Legal Cell; Subal Bhowmik, State BJP Vice-President; and Biswajit Deb, Convenor of the Legal Cell. Their participation, along with other community members, was seen as a step towards involving various sections of society in the noble mission of blood and organ donation.
Saha concluded his speech by appealing to people from all walks of life to join this movement. “Organ donation and blood donation are not just medical needs; they are acts of humanity. By donating, we do not lose anything, but we can give someone a new lease on life. That is the greatest gift one can give,” he said.
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With Tripura now successfully conducting kidney transplants and improving blood storage capacity, the Chief Minister’s call for greater awareness signals a push toward transforming healthcare practices in the state. His appeal aims to cultivate a stronger culture of generosity and compassion, ensuring that lifesaving resources are always available to those in dire need.
