NATIONAL VOLUNTARY BLOOD DONATION DAY
Dr(Prof) J.G Jolly (1st Oct 1926 ) Emeritus Prof of Dept of Transfusion Medicine,PGI, Chandigarh pioneered the voluntary blood donation movement in India and regarded as the “Father of Transfusion Medicine in India” On his birthday, 1st Oct, we celebrate national Voluntary Blood donation Day every year. He spearheaded the campaign to prohibit sale & purchase of blood from professional donors in India, which was later incorporated in national Blood policy of India by Govt. of India.
WORLD BLOOD DONOR DAY
World Blood Donor Day falls on the birthday of Karl Landsteiner (June 14, 1868). He created the ABO blood group system, which is still used today to ensure the safety of blood transfusions. Every year, on 14 June, countries around the world celebrate World Blood Donor Day. The event serves to thank voluntary unpaid blood donors for their life-saving gifts of blood and to raise awareness of the need for regular blood donations to ensure quality, safety and availability of blood and blood products for patients in need.