Along with the international community, World Blood Donor Day was observed here on 16th June 2014 (with the delay of two days to adjust with the preoccupied schedule of some of our guests).

The function was attended by Mr. Sonam Choephel la, the Secretary, Department of Health (DoH), Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), Dr. Bal Chandra and Dr. Anju Puri, the In-charges of blood bank at Tanda Medical College and Zonal Hospital respectively, Dr. Tsundue from Delek hospital, various other guests, blood donors and the staff and students of Tibet Charity. Many from the press also attended the function.
Ms Tenzin Namsel, the In-charge of Tibet Charity Health Care Section delivered the welcome address. In her welcome address she said, “The strength of the membership has now crossed 280.” She went on to say “we have been able to provide blood requirements to more than 150 patients”. She added, “Both our donors and recipients include people of different nationalities thus highlighting His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s concept of universal brotherhood”.
The Director in his speech said that the day is an occasion for “serious personal reflection as well as a day to thank the world’s regular, voluntary blood donors”. He said the day should also focus on the importance of donating blood, motivating more people to donate blood and the need to clear misconceptions about blood donations. He said, “A reliable supply of safe blood is essential for scaling up health at several levels, particularly for women and children”. He thanked the voluntary members of Tibet Charity Blood Donors Club and all others who have extended full help in our endeavor to provide timely blood to the patients in need.
Both the guests of honour from Tanda Medical College and Zonal Hospital appreciated the initiative taken by Tibet Charity to provide safe blood to the patients in need. This initiative they said will not only save the life of the individual patient but it also brings joy to many people associated with the patient. They said, “There can be no greater gift than the gift of one’s blood without expecting anything in return”. They promised all necessary support in the future.
The Chief Guest on the occasion, Mr. Sonam Choephel la praised all the charitable activities initiated by Tibet Charity with particular reference to the role it played in improving the health and hygiene of the community. He promised all necessary support from CTA and urged the public to join Blood Donors Club so that more precious lives could be saved.
The highlight of the function was the speeches by a donor and recipient. The voluntary donor explained how health is not adversely affected by donating blood and he requested more people to come forward to donate blood. The recipient explained how her life is saved by receiving the blood in time thanks to Tibet Charity. She said, “I am able to stand here and speak to you because of the kind initiative by Tibet Charity and because of the kind donors”.
The formal function ended with vote of thanks by Ms Yeshey Dolma, the office secretary.
At the end of the function Free Hemoglobin and Blood Group scanning for the public was carried out.