Blood requirement has not decreased- Health Minister Maithripala Sirisena

Nadira GUNATILLEKE

There is a belief in the society that the blood requirement of patients has decreased with the end of terrorism and war. But the National Blood Transfusion Service is one of the essential services which needs blood on a regular basis, Health Minister Maithripala Sirisena said.

Minister Sirisena was addressing a gathering after launching Viva Gift of life. The Minister said regular blood donations are essential for the country's health service. The National Blood Transfusion Service has 15 provincial branches and 60 hospital based branches. The service provides blood for patients who receive treatment from both State and private hospitals.

Viva Gift of Life collected 1,000 pints of blood within a 12 days in 2009. The main objective of the program is raising public awareness on blood donation. A parade of vehicles will be organised from the National Blood Centre to Polonnaruwa via Kadawatha, Nittambuwa, Warakapola, Polgahawela, Kurunegala, Dambulla and Habarana on July 30 to educate the public on blood donation.

A message from the National Blood Task Force will be handed over to Minister Sirisena at Polonnaruwa.

A cultural show will also be held on the banks of Thopa Wewa. The program is sponsored by GlaxoSmithkline consumer Healthcare - Sri Lanka.