Hundreds of Pakistan People's Party workers and doctors as well as paramedics thronged the blood camps established at Jinnah Post-Graduate Medical Centre and Lyari General Hospital to mark the 58th birth anniversary of Shaheed Benazir Bhutto on Tuesday.
The camps were arranged by Peoples' Doctors Forum and have turned into a regular feature for past many years. Dr Mohammad Yahya, a PDF officer bearer told APP that blood donated at these camps will be deposited with the blood banks of JPMC and Civil Hospital - Karachi. They are adequately screened and used for patients in need of blood or any of its components. Dr Yahya said the camps functional at JPMC and LGH will remain functional till Tuesday evening.
In reply to a question, he said that although the willingness of the BB supporters is overwhelming, however, only those in good health and with appropriate haemoglobin level are allowed to donate their blood. He said on previous occasions camps were established on JPMC premises only, however, this year LGH has also been chosen in accordance to the wish of the people belonging to Lyari.
Dr Yahya informed that PDF, with the support of government, also plans to establish a well-equipped blood bank and blood disease centre at Lyari General Hospital by end of this year. "We will also initiate campaigns on regular basis to inculcate spirit of blood donation among the youth," he said.