JEDDAH — A section of the Indian community here celebrated their country's 69th Independence Day by donating blood to commemorate the date Friday. Around 60 members of Tamil Nadu Thowheed Jamaath (TNTJ), a social organization from the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu, gathered at the King Fahd Hospital and donated 50 units of blood. Maheen Mohammed, a TNTJ Blood Camp Organizer, said that the organization's members decided to celebrate the country's Independence Day in a meaningful manner and express patriotism in a way that could help others and save lives. “We marked our country's 69th Independence Day in a unique style by organizing a massive blood donation camp in Jeddah. We did that to honor the heroes of India's freedom struggle,” said Maheen. He said each member of TNTJ visited the KFHJ and donated 450 ml of blood. The entire procedure from the general health check to blood donation took less than 30 minutes. Mohamed Munaf, president of Tamil Nadu Thowheed Jamaath (TNTJ) , said, We are guided by Quranic teaching that says “… And whoever saves a life, it is as though he had saved the life of all mankind! ...” (Al-Quran 5:32). We got a overwhelming response from our community members as well as from others, he added. Dr. Emad, chief at KFHJ Blood Bank and Ali Omar Hamad, BLS Provider at KFHJ Blood Bank, lauded the group for the voluntary service. “Such camps will create awareness among people, both Saudis and expatriates living in the Kingdom,” they added. TNTJ comprises a group of Tamil-speaking youths whose aim is to serve the people. Donating blood is a fast and simple procedure. Blood donors can donate up to 450 ml of blood (one unit) every two and half to three months; this amount is small, given that the body contains five to six liters (10 to 12 units) of blood. The full blood donation procedure, took no more than 20 to 30 minutes. “What is 1/2 hour compared to a lifetime of help to others who are in need,” said a donor. The voluntary donors of more than 60, participated in this drive. A standard health screening procedure was done prior to blood being donated. Each donor underwent tests for blood pressure, sugar and hemoglobin count before the donation. The checks also included communicable diseases. Already a call has gone out for people to donate blood that could help save the lives of many people in need, in an emergency. The event was open to all nationals. Lunch was arranged for the donors. Volunteers transported the donors to the hospital and back. “The noble act of donating blood will not only give a new lease of life to many, it also heightens our common sense of social responsibility by serving the humanitarian and social needs of our local communities,” Maheen said. — SG
