Imphal: Manipur State Aids Control Society (MACS) and State Blood Transfusion Council Manipur (SBTC), observed the National Voluntary Blood Donation Day 2026 with the theme: One Drop of Humanity, Give blood, Saves lives. The programme was held today at Sangai Hall, Hotel Imphal by the Classic, North AOC, Imphal.
The programme was attended by Sumant Singh, IAS, Commissioner cum Secretary Health and Family Welfare, Government of Manipur, Anna Arambam, IAS, Project Director, Manipur State Aids Control Society (MACS), Dr. N. Hemantakumar Singh, Director Health Services, Government of Manipur, and Dr. M. Dinesh Singh State Mission Director, NHM, Manipur as Chief Guest, President and Guest of Honour respectively.
Chief Guest, Sumant Singh, emphasised the need to promote voluntary blood donation and strengthen coordination between the State Health Department and the Manipur AIDS Control Society (MACS) to improve the availability of blood in the State.
Addressing the function, Sumant Singh highlighted that voluntary blood donation represents a positive form of self-selection, as regular voluntary donors are generally well-screened and contribute significantly to the blood donation system. He stressed the importance of encouraging more people to come forward voluntarily to donate blood.
He noted that the integration of the blood-related activities of MACS and the Health Department has resulted in a strategic convergence and may have contributed to the increase in voluntary blood donation in Manipur from around 33 percent to 44 percent. He called for sustained efforts to further increase the percentage and set a target of achieving around 60 percent voluntary blood donation within the coming months.
Sumant Singh also appreciated the efforts of PDMACS in organising the programme and recognising voluntary blood donors through awards. He stressed the importance of using social media platforms and other communication channels to create greater awareness about voluntary blood donation.
He informed that around 30 blood donation camps had been organised, collecting approximately 700 units of blood within 15 days, and appreciated the efforts of the State Blood Cell team. Regarding blood banking facilities, he stressed the need to establish blood banks at all district hospitals of the State. Referring to the recently started facility at Senapati, he said that efforts should be made to establish fully functional blood banks rather than limiting the facilities to blood storage.
He expressed appreciation for the work of MACS and its team and urged the State Health Department and MACS to work together towards strengthening the blood donation system and ensuring adequate availability of blood in Manipur.
Anna Arambam stated that the State has set an ambitious target of achieving 100 percent voluntary blood donation by March 2027, with all stakeholders urged to work collectively towards strengthening the culture of voluntary blood donation in Manipur.
She stated that blood donation is one of the simplest acts of service, but its impact can be immeasurable, as a single unit of donated blood can become a lifeline for patients in emergencies, mothers during childbirth, children requiring treatment and those undergoing surgery or critical medical care.
She also stressed the need to engage the youth of Manipur, noting their tremendous energy, commitment and strong spirit of community service. He said sustained youth participation could help create a long-term and sustainable voluntary blood donation movement extending beyond the March 2027 target.
Around 15 donor organisations and 9 individual donors were felicitated for donating three or more units of blood during the period from 17 September 2025 to 16 September 2026.
