Dhaka: Bangladesh Medical University (BMU) today observed World Blood Donor Day in a befitting manner. Marking the day, the Transfusion Medicine Department of the university organized a voluntary blood donation program, presented certificates of appreciation to honorable voluntary blood donors, and held a seminar, said a press release here.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, during the seminar, it was revealed that in 2024, 33,593 bags of blood were collected safely and scientifically under the initiative of the Transfusion Medicine Department. Of these blood bags, 379 were from voluntary blood donors, while the remainder were from relatives of patients. All collected blood underwent proper screening.
The screening process identified 116 individuals with hepatitis B, seven with hepatitis C, six with HIV, and 43 with syphilis. Blood found to contain these infections was discarded, ensuring that only safe blood was used for patients. Last year, the department prepared 13,595 bags of red blood cells, 12,710 bags of platelets, and an equal number of bags of plasma from the collected blood, which were then used to save patients' lives.
Additionally, about 5,000 tests were conducted in specialized laboratories to detect antibodies in patients' blood. In that year, 11,502 patients received medical services through safe blood at the day care center.
Speaking as the chief guest at the seminar, BMU Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. Md. Shahinul Alam highlighted the improvements in the quality of services provided to patients through blood transfusion compared to the past. He noted that the country has made significant progress in safe blood transfusion. He also emphasized the contribution of the university's Transfusion Medicine Department in collecting blood safely and enhancing higher education for students, while calling for greater emphasis on research.
BMU Pro VC (research and development) Professor Dr. Md. Mujibur Rahman Hawlader, Treasurer Professor Nahrin Akhter, and Transfusion Medicine Department Chairman Professor Dr. Ayesha Khatun, among others, addressed the seminar. Assistant Professor Dr. Sonia Sharmin Mia and Dr. Nadia Sharmin Trisha presented the keynote paper at the seminar.
Hospital Director Brigadier General Abu Noman Mohammad Mosleh Uddin, Neurosurgeon Associate Professor Dr. Md. Ruhul Qaddus Biplob, Transfusion Medicine Department Associate Professor Dr. Sheikh Saiful Islam Shahin, and Assistant Professor Dr. Suborna Saha were among those present at the event.