THE Ministry of Amerindian Affairs yesterday responded to the call from the National Blood Transfusion Service (NBTS), with 25 persons from its different divisions making donations. Minister of Health, Dr. Bheri Ramsaran visited the Ministry, at Thomas and Quamina Streets, Georgetown, to witness the exercise, during which the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Nigel Dharamlall donated one unit.
The Amerindian Affairs Ministry coordinated the activity with the Health Ministry and the Blood Bank and the 25 donors included donors from the Amerindian Hostel and the Hinterland Students Dormitory, also in the city.
Project Officer at the Amerindian Affairs Ministry, Ms. Kalima Ali said about 20 toshaos also took part in the first such event there.
Dr. Ramsaran observed that Amerindian people have a good blood group that is vital for medical services and said one unit of it can save more than one life.
He explained that whole blood has different components and can be broken down to fractions, with each one being used to fight a particular disease. Hence, one unit can save the lives of three people.
What is more is that blood donation is essential to obstetric cases, Ramsaran mentioned.
Dharamlall remarked that donating blood is part of one’s duties and is a way of contributing to a healthy nation.
“Contributing to other people’s lives and sharing in their health can only make our country better. A healthy nation allows for a productive nation and allows for a prosperous people,” he said.