Kurukshetra (Balwinder Singh): Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini announced on Tuesday that Haryana has become the first state in Northern India to provide free Single Donor Platelets to dengue patients in government hospitals. Speaking at a blood donation camp and religious ceremony organized in Ladwa to celebrate the birthday of Union Minister Manohar Lal, the Chief Minister highlighted that the state government is also providing a reimbursement of 11,000 rupees to those suffering from the disease. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to modernize healthcare and ensure that life-saving treatments remain accessible to every citizen regardless of their financial standing.
The Chief Minister shared impressive statistics regarding the state’s voluntary blood donation framework, noting that Haryana operates a network of 154 blood centres. He revealed that the state far exceeded its annual collection target of 330,000 units, gathering more than 450,000 units of blood last year. This consistent performance has earned Haryana the Central Government’s award for excellence in blood donation for the second consecutive year. Saini emphasized that these achievements are a testament to the compassionate spirit of the people of Haryana and the government’s commitment to maintaining a robust supply of blood for emergencies and chronic illnesses.
During the event, which was also attended by Haryana State Council for Child Welfare Vice-Chairperson Suman Saini and former minister Subhash Sudha, the Chief Minister personally honoured donors with badges and certificates. He reiterated that the state provides free blood to vulnerable groups, including patients with thalassemia, haemophilia, and HIV, as well as pregnant women and those suffering from severe anaemia. By ensuring that no patient in a government hospital has to pay for blood, the administration aims to remove significant barriers to treatment and support families during critical medical crises.
Reflecting on the legacy of Union Minister Manohar Lal, Saini described his predecessor’s life as a source of inspiration defined by service, transparency, and public welfare. He remarked that organizing a blood donation camp is the most fitting way to celebrate such a milestone, as it embodies the cultural value of “serving humanity is serving the divine.” The Chief Minister concluded his address with an appeal to the youth of the state to make regular blood donation a habit, reminding them that while science has advanced to reach space, there is still no artificial substitute for human blood. He asserted that a healthy and safe society is only possible when the government and citizens work together toward the common goal of saving lives.
