Meghalaya govt to collaborate with Terumo Penpol to strengthen state’s blood ecosystem

Collaboration to be inaugurated on October 1 to mark National Voluntary Blood Donation Day, during a blood camp at the Bhoirymbong, Community Health Centre, Ayush Compound

The government of Meghalaya will be collaborating with Terumo Penpol to bolster the blood ecosystem of the state to counter the blood scarcity in the state, which was highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdowns.

The collaboration will be inaugurated on October 1 to mark National Voluntary Blood Donation Day, during a blood camp at the Bhoirymbong, Community Health Centre, Ayush Compound

The government of Meghalaya will reportedly work with Terumo Penpol, a medical technology company that provides products, software and services that enable customers to collect and prepare blood and cells to help treat challenging diseases and conditions, to increase awareness about the importance of voluntary blood donations to help build a sustainable blood ecosystem in the state.

The first phase of the collaboration begins with a programme in the Aspirational District of Ri-Bhoi to build awareness and education in the urban and rural communities about the need for regular voluntary blood donation, the benefits to the society and dispel myths that deter many prospective donors.

“There is an urgent need for behavioral change in our country toward voluntary blood donation, and Meghalaya is no exception to that,” said Sampath Kumar, IAS Principal Secretary, Health and Family Welfare Department, Government of Meghalaya. “Awareness about the benefits of blood donation needs to spread to the grassroots of the community for a sustained supply of safe, adequate, and timely access to blood in the state. Equally important is the dispelling of myths that unfortunately plague the noble activity of blood donation. We are glad to work with Terumo Penpol in strengthening the blood ecosystem of Meghalaya.”

Chetan Makam, Managing Director, Terumo Penpol, expressed his commitment to the cause, saying, “Terumo is driven by our mission to Contribute to Society through Healthcare. Access to a safe and sustainable blood supply is the foundation of a healthy society. With the help of the government of Meghalaya, we are confident in realising our shared vision of a creating a sustainable blood ecosystem for the state. Together with the people of Meghalaya, we hope to create champions within the community to promote voluntary blood donation.”