Blood donation bus launched in Haryana

CHANDIGARH - Haryana launched a state-of-the-art mobile blood donation unit Monday, with Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda driving the air-conditioned bus for a short distance to inaugurate its operations.

“This is another step forward in the blood donation movement in the state,” Haryana health minister Geeta Bhukkal said.

The bus, provided by National Aids Control Organization (NACO) of the government of India, costs Rs.13.5 million (Rs.1.35 crore). It is equipped with the latest blood collection equipment and four donor couches.

Four persons donated blood inside the mobile unit at the inauguration.

“The vehicle has been equipped with all the necessary equipments for safe collection of blood, along with separate registration area for screening and registration of blood donors,” Bhukkal said.

Storage cabinets and seating arrangements for doctors and paramedical staff have been provided. The unit also has a small pantry, containing a refrigerator and microwave.

The bus is equipped with a generator, and four refrigerated blood storage boxes. The unit also has a small automobile carriage toilet for the convenience of blood donors, apart from an LCD TV and a DVD player.

Bhukkal said Haryana had already achieved a voluntary blood collection of more than 89 percent in government and charitable blood banks.

“However to achieve a goal of more than 90 percent blood collection, it is important to hold small but regular blood donation camps. This mobile unit will help in reaching right up to the door step of donors, and collect blood units from villages, schools, colleges and industrial units,” she said.

The blood mobile unit will be stationed at Model Blood Bank, Rohtak, and will go to various areas to collect blood.