AGARTALA, February 28 (TIWN): Calling upon new blood donors to donate blood generously, today Justice S.C.Das, Tripura High Court said that the state has earned a very important position in the country when it comes to blood collection through voluntary blood donation camps.

There is no alternative of blood said Justice S.C.Das while speaking in a blood donation camp organized by Red Cross Society  at Red Cross Bhavan, Agartala, here today. Justice S.C.Das appreciated the initiative of the Red Cross Society for organizing the blood donation camp.

Executive Secretary, Indian Red Cross Society, Tripura State Branch Er. N.C. Bhowmik said that of the total requirement of blood during the year (2013-14), 99% was collected through voluntary donation. With the end of the year (financial year) in March, it would be 100%, he added. Saying that the voluntary blood donation movement became a festival in Tripura, Bhowmik urged young people to generously donate blood to save lives.

A total of 50 people donated blood in the blood donation camp. According to National Aids Control Organization, only five states in India have the distinction of over 80% blood collection through voluntary donation against the national average of 55 to 60%. The states are Tripura, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Punjab and Maharashtra.

According to statistics, the state has collected 22,890 units and 24,035 units in two years- 2010 and 2011 respectively. In fact, 96 percent of the blood is being collected through voluntary blood donation camps.