Chandigarh Launches Emergency Blood Reserve Campaign
In a show of solidarity with the nation and support for the Armed Forces, the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, has launched a campaign to establish an emergency blood reserve.
"Terrorists spill innocent blood to divide us," said Prof Vivek Lal, director, PGIMER. "We will give our blood to save lives and show them that humanity triumphs over hate. That is the strongest message we can send right now."
Prof Lal stressed the need for preparedness in times of crisis, calling it not a reaction born of fear, but one of foresight. "Preparedness is not panic—it is protection. We must be a step ahead of any crisis. Having sufficient blood supply is a crucial part of this readiness," he noted.
The initiative seeks to rally citizens across the spectrum—students, professionals, workers, and volunteers—to donate blood, particularly urging individuals with blood group O, known as the Universal Donor type, to step forward in larger numbers. Their donations will form the backbone of the emergency reserve, ensuring PGIMER is equipped to respond swiftly and effectively to any future exigencies.
Prof Rati Ram Sharma, head of the department of transfusion medicine at PGIMER, said, "We need every citizen to come forward and contribute. Your donation today can be the reason someone survives tomorrow."
Let us turn this moment of national grief into a powerful act of unity.
The Blood Transfusion Centre at PGIMER’s Nehru Hospital is open from 9am to 8pm daily, with 24×7 emergency arrangements in place to accommodate urgent donations.
Published On May 9, 2025 at 12:01 PM IST
