Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 716/17

WORLD BLOOD DONOR DAY, 2017 OBSERVED IN THE STATE

Along with rest of the world, the Meghalaya State Blood Transfusion Council in collaboration with the Meghalaya AIDS Control Society and all the Licensed Blood Banks, Meghalaya observed the World Blood Donor Day at U Soso Tham Auditorium, Shillong on 14th June, 2017 under the theme “What can you do?” and slogan “Give blood, Give now, Give often” Additional Chief Secretary & President, Meghalaya State Blood Transfusion Council, Shri Y. Tsering graced the function as Chief Guest. Addressing the gathering, Shri Y. Tsering said that a noble deed by a blood donor can save a life of someone in need of blood. While lamenting on the shortage of blood supply, mainly due to misconception with regards to blood donation, Shri Tsering said that there is a need for a wider public awareness among the masses on the advantages of blood donation and also for a committed, year-round blood donation so as to maintain adequate supplies and self sufficiency of blood. During the programme, the Chief Guest also felicitated the Regular Voluntary Blood Donors. Earlier, Dr. (Mrs) R. Allya, Member Secretary, Meghalaya State Blood Transfusion Council, gave a power-point presentation on the “Scenario of Blood Transfusion Services in Meghalaya”. Mission Director, NHM, Shri H. M. Shangpliang, DIG (Med), Frontier Headquarter, BSF, Shillong, Dr. A. C. Bhardwajan and Director of Health Services, Dr. R. O. Budnah were among others who was also present on the occasion. Every year, on 14th June, countries around the world observe the World Blood Donor Day to raise awareness on the need for safe blood and blood products and to thank the blood donors for their live-saving gifts of blood. This year’s campaign will focus on blood donation in emergencies. Blood transfusion is an essential component of emergency health care. Emergencies increase the demand for blood transfusion and make its delivery challenging and complex. Adequate supply of blood during emergencies requires a well-organised blood service and this can only be ensured by engaging the entire community and a blood donor population committed to voluntary unpaid blood donation throughout the year. During the day, a Voluntary Blood Donation camp was also organised at the premises of U Soso Tham Auditorium, Shillong.

Press Release No. 719/17

CM INAUGURATES ROAD CONNECTION IN CITY

Chief Minister, Dr Mukul M Sangma today inaugurated the Road Connecting Police Bazar via Earle Sanatorium in the presence of Minister, PWD (Roads), M M Danggo and Minister, Health and Family Welfare and Local MLA Roshan Warjri. Speaking to the gathering, Chief Minister, Dr Mukul M Sangma said that the road connecting to Polo is a long felt need of the people. He informed that the 505 meters road cost 7.58 crores and added that the cost of creating an infrastructure in the urban centres is always a challenge. The Chief Minister while collectively dedicating the asset to the people said that the creation of the road is the culmination of the exercise to ease traffic congestion in Shillong, Tura and Jowai. He added that the government has drawn an exhaustive action plan with a number of interventions to ease traffic congestion in various parts of the state. He further said that the government has prevailed upon Government of India to connect all important roads of the state under Special Accelerated Road Development (SARDP). While Minister, PWD (Roads), M M Danggo informed that the department is doing its best to improve road connectivity in the state and that wherever land is available roads will widened and improved. He also said that there is tangible improvement in road connectivity in the state. The land for the construction of the road was donated free of cost by Earle Sanatorium Trust. Also present at the function were senior officers of PWD (Roads) and representatives of local bodies from Oakland and Bivar Road.