Indian community donates a record 1,327 units of blood

Muscat: The Indian community donated a record 1,327 units of blood during the ‘Mega Blood Donation Drive’ organised during the ‘Community Service Fortnight’ or ‘Sewa Utsav’ by the Embassy of India.

The ‘Sewa Utsav’ was organised by the Embassy with support of Indian community from 31 March to 16 April to commemorate 75 years of India’s independence.

The ‘Mega Blood Donation Drive’ was inaugurated on 2 April 2022 by Ahmed Mohammed Ahmed al Humaidi, Chairman of Muscat Municipality and was held in multiple cities of Oman with the generous support of Oman’s Ministry of Health.

The drive was organised on the Embassy premises and Bausher Blood Bank in Muscat on 2 April and 9-15 April 2022.

The Indian Social Club (ISC) branches in Salalah, Sohar and Sur also organised donation drives in the respective cities, which saw enthusiastic participation of Indian community members resident there.

Ambassador Amit Narang commended the overwhelming support received from Indian community in collecting blood units to support the work of blood banks in Oman.

Ambassador Narang thanked Ministry of Health officials, doctors, nurses, and support staff in particular Dr. Zainab Al Araimi and Mohsin S. Al-Sharyani for their tremendous support in organizing the blood donation drive at Muscat.Ambassador conveyed his appreciation to organisations such as BEC, Lulu, L&T, Jindal Shadeed, BLS, Al Turki, Al Ansari, Kihimji Ramdas, Naranjee Hirjee & Al Nabha as well as members of Indian Social Club, Indian Schools, Sewa Muscat, Manav Seva International,Kerala Pravasi Association, Nanma Kasargod, Ambedkar International Mission, Sahaj Yoga, & Maru Nattil Malayalee Association in Oman for their stellar support in making the drive a success.

The Ambassador said,“This blood donation drive reflects the core Indian thought of ‘Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah’ i.e. working for the welfare of others and is in line with the pious service-oriented spirit of the holy month of Ramadan”.

He added that the extraordinary effort of the Indian community for blood donation showed their love for their Omani brothers and sisters and will go a long way in strengtheningIndia-Oman friendship.