SRINAGAR, JUNE 12: Jammu & Kashmir State Blood Transfusion Council (JKSBTC), and J&K AIDS Control Society (JKACS), Friday celebrated World Blood Donor Day–2026 at SKIMS Medical College, Bemina, with great enthusiasm and participation from healthcare professionals, voluntary blood donors, civil society organizations, students, and members of the public.
The event, as per an official statement, was graced by Dr. Krishan Kumar, Director, National Blood Transfusion Council (NBTC), Government of India; Dr. Megha Pravin Khobragade, Deputy Director General, Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), Government of India; Dr. Fazlul Qadir Parrey, Principal, SKIMS Medical College Bemina; Dr. Jehangir Bakshi, Director Health Services Kashmir and Director, JKSBTC among other distinguished guests.
The programme commenced with the inauguration of a voluntary blood donation camp by the dignitaries, reaffirming the commitment of the health sector towards ensuring the availability of safe and adequate blood for all patients in need.
The representatives of JKSACS and JKSBTC highlighted the significance of World Blood Donor Day as a global occasion dedicated to recognizing the invaluable contribution of voluntary blood donors. They emphasized that every unit of donated blood has the potential to save multiple lives and plays a crucial role in supporting emergency care, surgeries, maternal health services, treatment of thalassemia patients, and other critical medical interventions.
Director, NBTC, Dr. Krishan Kumar, thanked the Voluntary Blood Donors for their selfless contributions towards saving lives and strengthening public health services. He described blood donors as the true heroes of society whose generosity offers hope and a second chance at life to countless patients.
In his address, Dr. Jehangir Bakshi, Director JKSBTC, highlighted the special significance of the event in view of the forthcoming holy month of Muharram. He noted that the message of sacrifice, humanity, and service to mankind associated with the teachings of Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) resonates strongly with the spirit of voluntary blood donation. He called upon the youth and community organizations to transform blood donation into a mass humanitarian movement and ensure that no patient suffers due to the non-availability of blood.
Principal SKIMS, Bemina, Dr. Fazlul Qadir Parrey acknowledged the growing culture of voluntary blood donation in Jammu & Kashmir and appreciated the active participation of youth, religious organizations, civil society groups, and educational institutions in organizing blood donation drives throughout the year.
Addressing the gathering, the dignitaries underscored the importance of strengthening voluntary blood donation and promoting regular, non-remunerated blood donation as the safest and most sustainable source of blood supply. They appreciated the efforts of blood donors, blood banks, healthcare workers, and community organizations in supporting the blood transfusion services across Jammu & Kashmir.
A major highlight of the programme was the felicitation of voluntary blood donors.
The JKSBTC and JKSACS reiterated their commitment to promoting voluntary blood donation and appealed to all eligible citizens to become regular blood donors and contribute towards building a safer and healthier society.
