GMC, RBC sign MoU to promote voluntary blood donation

Dera Ismail Khan , Sep 30 (APP): Gomal Medical College (GMC) and the Regional Blood Centre (RBC), here signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to promote voluntary blood donation, raise awareness among students and strengthen support for patients suffering from thalassemia, cancer and other medical emergencies.

The agreement aims to encourage medical students to participate in voluntary blood donation campaigns, educate the community about the importance of safe blood donation, and contribute to various humanitarian activities.

The MoU was signed in the presence of Dean Gomal Medical College Professor Dr Naseem Saba Mahsud, Manager Regional Blood Centre Dr Muhammad Rizwan Rajput and Muhammad Ziaullah Khan Baghai, representative of the Students Blood Heroes Society of Gomal Medical College.

Speaking on the occasion, Professor Dr Naseem Saba Mahsud appreciated the initiative, highlighting the importance of engaging medical students in community welfare activities and promoting a culture of voluntary blood donation. She emphasised that such collaborations would help students develop a sense of social responsibility while creating greater awareness about the lifesaving importance of donating blood.

Dr Muhammad Rizwan Rajput said the partnership would provide students with opportunities to gain practical knowledge of blood banking and understand the importance of maintaining a safe and adequate blood supply for patients in need.

Under the agreement, students would participate in special training and educational programmes, including study visits to the Regional Blood Centre over a period of four to six weeks.

During these visits, they would receive practical exposure to modern laboratory equipment, preparation of different blood components, blood screening procedures, storage techniques and the overall functioning of a blood bank.

Dr Rajput said the initiative would help bridge the gap between academic learning and practical experience while encouraging young people to become active participants in voluntary blood donation efforts.

He also thanked the dean for her cooperation and support in strengthening the initiative and appreciated the commitment of Gomal Medical College students and the Students Blood Heroes Society to humanitarian service.

The collaboration is expected to contribute to a stronger network of voluntary blood donors and improve awareness about the need for safe blood supplies, particularly for thalassemia and cancer patients and those requiring emergency transfusions.