News | FATHER MULLER CHARITABLE INSTITUTIONS

FMMC Celebrates National Voluntary Blood Donation Day with Donor Felicitation and Blood Donation Camp

Date :Oct 18, 2024

"20 Years of Celebrating Giving: Thank You Blood Donors"

Mangalore, 17th October 2024 - The Father Muller Medical College (FMMC) Department of Immunohematology and Blood Transfusion (IHBT) and the Youth Red Cross Unit (YRCU) of FMMC organized a memorable event celebrating National Voluntary Blood Donation Day, originally marked on October 1st but observed today. Held at the Father Muller Convention Centre, the event brought together donors, faculty, and students under the slogan "20 Years of Celebrating Giving: Thank You Blood Donors." The event highlighted the importance of voluntary blood donation in saving lives and strengthening community bonds.

The program emceed by Ms. Joanna John and Mr. Blessin Scaria Baiju began with a prayer song, after which Dr. Kirana Pailoor, Professor and Head of the Department of IHBT, escorted the dignitaries to the dais, which included Rev. Fr. Richard Aloysius Coelho - Director of Father Muller Charitable Institutions; Chief Guest Dr. P S Balakrishna Achar, Associate Professor in the Department of Anaesthesia; Rev. Fr. Ajith Menezes, Administrator, FMMC; Rev. Fr. George Jeevan Sequeira, Administrator, Father Muller Medical College Hospital (FMMCH); Dr. Antony Sylvan D'Souza, Dean, FMMC; Dr. Uday Kumar, Medical Superintendent, FMMCH; and Mr. Vikram Ganganna, Business Unit Head of QuidelOrtho, the event sponsor.

The event highlighted the importance of voluntary blood donation, particularly in light of the growing needs of the institution. Father Muller Medical College recently opened the Father Muller Thalassemia Centre, which supports over 150 families with free blood transfusions and necessary medications. Additionally, the Father Muller Haemophilia Comprehensive Care Centre was inaugurated this year, making it crucial to ensure an increased supply of blood for these life-saving initiatives. Both centers cater to patients with chronic conditions requiring regular blood support, amplifying the significance of today's event and the ongoing need for blood donors.

Dr. Kirana Pailoor, also the Staff Convener and Programme Officer of the Youth Red Cross, delivered the welcome address, followed by the lighting of the ceremonial lamp and the release of a brochure on Repeat Voluntary Blood Donation by the dignitaries.

One of the key highlights was the heartfelt donor felicitation, recognizing the contributions of several individuals to the cause of voluntary blood donation. The following donors were honored for their selfless acts:

Rev. Fr. Richard Aloysius Coelho presented mementos to:

Rev. Fr. Sylvester Lobo
Rev. Fr. Nelson Peris
Mr. Vikas Joswin Sequeira
Mr. Anush Flinton Ferrao
Mr. Meer Manish Sequeira

Dr. P S Balakrishna Achar, the Chief Guest, felicitated:

Mr. Rexon Crasta
Mr. Pradeep Misquith
Mr. Avil Arun Fernandes
Mr. Rathnakar
Dr. Ujwal Suvarna

Rev. Fr. Ajith Menezes honored:

Dr. Muruga
Dr. Puneeth
Ms. Madhushree H
Mr. Jason Karkada
Mr. Wilson Lobo

Rev. Fr. George Jeevan Sequeira recognized:

Mr. Preetham Martis
Mr. Pramodh Kumar
Mr. Girish
Mr. Sachin Fernandes
Mr. Kishore Gatty

Dr. Antony Sylvan D'Souza appreciated:

Mr. Avinash Alexan Dsouza
Mr. Ashwin Bromeo John
Mr. Wilson Dsouza
Mr. Jevil Rackson Dsouza

Dr. Uday Kumar honored:

Mr. Santosh
Ms. Lissy K Philip
Ms. Vinitha Laveena
Mr. Stian Sequeria
Ms. Joanna John

Mr. Vikram Ganganna presented mementos to:

Mr. Sagar Indi
Mr. Ajarya
Mr. Muhammed Ajmal
Mr. Antony V

The Chief Guest, Dr. Balakrishna Achar, who has himself been a consistent blood donor, delivered an inspiring address, emphasizing the importance of voluntary blood donation. He highlighted the health benefits of donating blood, such as the generation of new cells, a reduced risk of malignancies, and the psychological satisfaction of helping others. He encouraged everyone to embrace the warmth of giving, saying, "Sharing blood is sharing life."

Rev. Fr. Richard Aloysius Coelho, Director of FMCI, felicitated Dr. Balakrishna Achar and delivered the presidential address. His words, "The hands that give are more precious than those that pray," resonated with the audience, underscoring the significance of altruism in everyday life.

A special moment followed with the badging of the new Youth Red Cross Unit members. Rev. Fr. Ajith Menezes felicitated Dr. Nirmanyu, President of the YRCU (2022-2024), and Dean Dr. Antony Sylvan D'Souza handed over badges to the current leadership team: President Surya Sridhara, Vice President Tejas S, Secretary Joanna John, and Joint Secretary Blessin Scaria Baiju.

Dr. Charu Khosla, Assistant Professor, IHBT, delivered the vote of thanks, concluding the formal program.

After the formal ceremony, Dr. Deepika Chenna, Associate Professor in the Department of IHBT at KMC Manipal, delivered a guest lecture on "Preventive Strategies for Red Cell Alloimmunization in Thalassemia Patients." Dr. Kirana Pailoor introduced the speaker, and a lively discussion followed the presentation. The event wrapped up with high tea and an open invitation for all donors to participate in the blood donation camp, continuing the tradition of "Celebrating Giving" at Father Muller Medical College. This was followed by a short talk by Dr Chandana and High tea for people in attendance.

This event marked another milestone in FMMC's long-standing commitment to saving lives through voluntary blood donation, while celebrating and honoring the selfless individuals who continue to make a difference.