Adilabad: Adivasis launched their first voluntary community blood donation camp to address the critical shortage of blood needed for emergencies. The initiative aims to support patients suffering from anaemia, particularly pregnant women, and those injured in road accidents at government hospitals, including the Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), Adilabad.
Historically hesitant to donate blood due to fears of health issues, the adivasi community has seen a shift thanks to leaders who have raised awareness about the safety and importance of blood donation. Community meetings and village gatherings have encouraged youth and middle-aged men to donate voluntarily, emphasising that the body regenerates blood within 24 hours after donation.
The camp is scheduled for November 19 at Jhari PHC in Gadiguda Mandal and is organised by the Adivasi Gondwana Panchayat Rai Centres, local associations, and adivasi government employees. Approximately 200 adivasis from Narnoor and Gadiguda mandals have committed to donating blood, with additional support from non-tribal residents recognising the urgent need.
Meram Shekhar Babu of Lokari (K), an organiser, told the Deccan Chronicle, “We realised the importance of having readily available blood at blood banks to save lives during emergencies.” He highlighted the challenges faced by adivasis in accessing timely blood transfusions, especially for pregnant women with dangerously low haemoglobin levels.
Donated blood will be supplied to RIMS, and donors will receive donor cards for future emergencies. Alongside the blood donation efforts, the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) is distributing nutritious food items to improve haemoglobin levels among pregnant women. District officials are also promoting the cultivation of leafy vegetable gardens to enhance nutritional intake and overall health.
