Patiala, August 20: During a state-level function organized by the Punjab Government at Punjab Municipal Bhawan, Chandigarh, Punjab Health Minister Dr. Balbir Singh honored Past District Governor of Rotary District 3090 Dharamvir Garg and Former President of Rotary Club Bhawanigarh City Ishwar Bansal for their special contribution in health services and voluntary blood donation campaign. During the function, about 50 people from all over Punjab were honored for their valuable services in this field.
Kumar Rahul, IAS, Health Department Punjab, Sakshi Sahni, IAS, Director, Punjab State Blood Transfusion Council and Dr. Ratti Ram Sharma, Director Blood Bank, PGI Chandigarh along with many prominent personalities of the Health Department were present on the occasion.
Health Minister Dr. Balbir Singh in his address said that Punjab has achieved about 80 percent of the target of voluntary blood donation and social service organizations and voluntary blood donors have an important role in this achievement. He described the cooperation of these organizations in the future as very important. He especially appreciated the work being done by the Rotary Club Bhawanigarh City for children suffering from thalassemia.
A technical workshop was also organized during the event, in which detailed discussions were held on organizing blood donation camps in a more efficient manner, new protocols regarding donor care, eligibility and interval of blood donation and providing better facilities to blood donors.
After receiving the award, Dharamvir Garg and Ishwar Bansal said that this award is extremely valuable and inspiring for them, but their main objective is to ensure that no needy patient faces blood shortage in a timely manner. He said that in case of accidents, thalassemia, pregnancy or other emergency situations, the patient and his family are already in a difficult situation. Non-availability of blood at such times further increases their problems. Therefore, it is very important to ensure timely availability of blood. He appealed to the people to come forward for voluntary blood donation as much as possible.
