Hundreds partake in Indian Business Chamber blood donation drive in Vietnam
Sunday, August 17, 2014, 20:10 GMT+7
The Indian Business Chamber in Vietnam (Incham) organized the Incham Blood Donation Drive 2014 in Ho Chi Minh City on Sunday, with the participation of over 300 donors, including Indians, other expats, and their Vietnamese friends.
The event, co-organized by the Vietnam Red Cross Society at Ben Thanh Theater on Mac Dinh Chi Street in District 1, was kicked off by newly-appointed Consul General of the Consulate General of India in the city, Smita Pant.
All donors will receive a Donor Card which enables them to get an equal amount of blood donated for free when the donors needs it, Incham said, adding that the card does not have any time limit.
Speaking at the event, Consul General Pant highlighted the importance of blood donation which can help save thousands of lives, inspiring her fellow Indians to come forward to donate their blood in order to save the lives of those in need.
At the 3.5-hour blood donation drive, Mohan Ramesh Anand, chairman of Incham, expressed his heartfelt thanks to the Indian fraternity and that of Vietnamese friends and friends from other countries who live in Ho Chi Minh City and volunteered to donate blood.
Incham, representing Indian businesses in Vietnam, often hosts various charity events and cultural exchanges besides business promotion activities.
With the Incham Blood Donation Drive 2014, the chamber tried to create social awareness of the importance of saving precious life by donating blood and adding more blood units to the Blood Bank of the Vietnam Red Cross Society.
The same event held by Incham last year was attended by about 250 Indians, other expats, and their Vietnamese friends.
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Blood donors must be in good general health and feeling well, be at least 17 years old, and weigh at least 110lbs (49kg) to be eligible for giving blood, according to the Vietnam Red Cross Society. Other aspects of each potential donor's health history are discussed as part of the donation process before any blood is collected. Each donor receives a brief examination during which temperature, pulse, and blood pressure are measured. For first-time donors, they are required to maintain a healthy iron level in their diet, drink an extra 16 oz of liquid before and after their donation, and have a healthy meal before any donation. They are also advised to avoid foods high in fat just prior to their blood donation. The actual donation takes about 8-10 minutes, during which donors will be seated comfortably, the society said, adding that the process is safe and sterile and Red Cross staff and volunteers will be available should donors have any questions. After donating blood, donors should have a snack and something to drink in the refreshments area and can then leave the site after 10-15 minutes and continue with their normal daily activities. |
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