Blood donation should be encouraged

In our country, there are many misconceptions widely prevailing among common people about blood donation. Even many educated people think that if they donate blood, they will feel weak or will not have sufficient blood in their own body. As a result, they become reluctant to donate blood. If a doctor allows donors to donate his or her blood, it means they have sufficient blood even after completing blood donation.

Blood donation in Bangladesh is an activity conducted by several different organisations like Sandhani, Red Crescent, Badhon and many more. It has been estimated that roughly 25 per cent of the nation's blood supply came from voluntary donation, 20 to 25 per cent from paid donors, and 50 to 55 per cent from one-time donation for a specific patient. If the misconception about blood donation is dispelled, more people will feel encouraged to serve this noble cause. Blood donation is good not only for the patient but also for the donor. Donating blood reduces the risk of heart attacks and even cancer. According to a study of the American Medical Association, people aged between 43 and 61 had fewer heart attacks and strokes when they donated blood every six months. I really like the feeling when I am able to help a fellow being at his distress and encourage him to do the same to others.

Mohammad Sohel Hara

Shahjadpur, Dhaka

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