STATE: Blood donation is rapidly becoming a social movement in the state, according to Chief Minister Manik Saha.

He emphasized that there is no substitute for blood, which transcends religion and other forms of donations. “We have heard of various types of donations, but blood donation holds a unique significance. Donating blood is a profound gift,” he stated while inaugurating the Blood Donation Festival organized by the All Tripura Hotel and Restaurant Owners Association, with support from Agiye Chalo Sangha, in Agartala on Sunday. Notable attendees included Tourism Minister Sushanta Chowdhury, AMC Mayor and MLA Deepak Majumder, and All Tripura Merchants Association Chairman Ratan Saha, among others.

During his speech, the Chief Minister highlighted the importance of having blood stored in blood banks in proportion to the population, stating that 1 per cent of the population should be represented in blood reserves. With approximately 4 million people in Tripura, the requirement is around 40,000 units of blood. Maintaining a balance between blood demand and supply is crucial, as blood can only be stored for a limited time. The Blood Transfusion Board is actively monitoring this situation.

The Chief Minister also noted that the state currently has blood separation centres. He praised the All Tripura Hotel and Restaurant Owners Association for demonstrating social responsibility by participating in programs like blood donation.