The Editor, Darjeeling Chronicle, 5, Sevoke Road, Siliguri – 734 001. Subject: Need for voluntary blood donation Sir, Through your widely-read columns, I would like to draw the attention of the general public to the crying need for voluntary blood donation in our district. Sad to say, even those who are aware of this problem hesitate to come forward and help because of the many wrong ideas that prevail on the subject. First, the availability of blood in our hospitals falls far below the requirement. Many lives that could easily have been saved through the goodwill of voluntary donors are lost. Contrary to popular belief, neither is the process of donating blood painful, nor does it weaken or incapacitate a person. On the other hand, not only is it morally and psychologically rewarding, it actually makes the donor more active and healthy as new blood replaces the old blood in the body, making it more resistant to diseases and improving circulation.
Of course, donors need to be healthy themselves, and should fall within the age group of 18 to 60 years. They say little drops of water make a mighty ocean, and with a little cooperation from local residents, this huge medical problem can be quickly and easily solved. Yours faithfully, A citizen
