Hyderabad, September 25, 2023 – In a momentous celebration of World Pharmacists Day, Sultan-ul-Uloom College of Pharmacy joined hands with the Indian Red Cross Blood Bank, Vidyanagar, Hyderabad, to conduct a monumental blood donation camp. The event was graced by esteemed dignitaries, including the honorable Dr. (Smt.) Tamilisai Soundararajan, H.E., The Hon’ble Governor of Telangana State, and the Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry, who also serves as the President of the Indian Red Cross Society Telangana State. Accompanying them was Shri Ajay Mishra, IAS. Retd., Chairman of the Indian Red Cross Blood Bank and Former Addl. & Chief Secretary of the Government of Telangana.
The altruistic endeavor witnessed the active participation of students from various institutions within the Sultan ul Uloom Education Society Campus. Notably, the Hon’ble Governor engaged with the young donors, commending the significant presence of female donors who came forward to contribute to this noble cause.
In her address to the audience, the Hon’ble Governor emphasized the World Pharmacists Day theme, “Pharmacists Strengthening Health Systems,” as designated by the International Pharmacists Association (FIP). This theme was further reinforced by the Pharmacy Council of India, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India, as “Pharmacists Strengthening Health Systems – Angadaan Mahadaan,” highlighting the paramount importance of organ donation in saving lives. Dr. Soundararajan expressed her appreciation for the College of Pharmacy’s commitment to furthering this noble cause through the organization of a mega blood donation camp in collaboration with the Indian Red Cross Blood Bank, as opposed to traditional cultural celebrations. She also underscored the fact that a single unit of blood can potentially save three lives through various means.
Shri Ajay Mishra, IAS., encouraged students to make regular blood donations and shared that the Red Cross collected an impressive 51,000 units in the previous year, all of which were channeled to aid the underprivileged. He also highlighted the Red Cross’s innovative mobile blood collection vans, which facilitate the collection and delivery of blood in remote areas.
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The blood donation camp garnered immense participation, with over 300 donors, including a substantial number of female donors, rallying to support this noble initiative. The event’s resounding success was attributed to the dedicated efforts of Chairman Mr. Waliulla, Hony. Secretary Mr. Zafar Javeed, Vice-Chairman Mr. Abdul Wahab, and other board members of the Sultan ul Uloom Education Society. Dr. Anupama Koneru, Principal, along with the staff and students of Sultan ul Uloom College of Pharmacy, played a pivotal role in coordinating the program.
Adding to the significance of the occasion, Mr. Giri Yandamuri, representing the Hetero Skin Bank, delivered an enlightening guest lecture. He shed light on the vital work of the skin bank, which collects and preserves skin from deceased individuals with the consent of their kin. Notably, skin from a single cadaver can be employed to protect 8 to 9 burn victims, especially those with severe burns of up to 60%.
This grand blood donation camp serves as a testament to the pharmaceutical community’s unwavering commitment to strengthening health systems and promoting life-saving initiatives. Its impact will undoubtedly reverberate long after its conclusion, as the spirit of generosity and compassion continues to flourish in Hyderabad.
