Campaign launched to set up fund for free blood supply

By Kedar Timalsina

Banepa, Aug. 4: A campaign has been initiated in Kavrepalanchok to establish a dedicated fund of Rs. 20 million aimed at providing free blood to residents during emergencies. 

Devendra Prasad Bhail, Chairperson of the Nepal Red Cross Society's Kavrepalanchok branch, stated that the objective of the campaign is to ensure that no individual in the district dies in a lack of blood. 

The Red Cross intends to raise a minimum of Rs. 20 million within one year. Upon achieving this target, free blood services will commence in accordance with the established guidelines.

Bhail further explained that the interest accrued from the fund would be utilised to supply blood free of charge, thereby enabling individuals who are unable to afford blood to receive it when required.

During the campaign's launch, Bagmati Province Health Minister Kiran Thapa Magar commended the Red Cross for its role in disaster response efforts during earthquakes and floods. 

He expressed that this initiative is commendable and highlighted that the provincial government already provides free blood to needy citizens across all 13 districts via the local Red Cross branches.

“In the last fiscal year, the province distributed free blood worth Rs. 16. 7 million to those in need,” Minister Thapa Magar remarked. 

He also mentioned that the government is implementing numerous programmes to enhance people's access to health services, with funds allocated in the current budget for this purpose. 

The Minister called upon all local governments, businesses, and institutions to support the new fund, and assured that the province will contribute Rs. 5 million.

Shanti Ratna Shakya, Mayor of Banepa Municipality, also expressed support for the campaign, noting that the municipality currently allocates Rs. 1 million annually to the Red Cross and intends to maintain this support. 

He further plans to advocate for increased assistance during the upcoming winter session and assured his support.

Chief District Officer Umesh Kumar Dhakal stated that the campaign will be instrumental in saving lives by ensuring that no one dies due to a shortage of blood. 

According to the Red Cross, as of Sunday, Rs. 721, 721,916 has been collected from 28 donors, with contributions from an additional 20 donors anticipated.