Khundrakpam Premjit, is a differently abled seventh child of (Late) Khundrakpam Bhinoi and Khundrakpam Ongbi Radhe Devi, of Lamdeng Makha Leikai. He is today one of Manipur’s most charitable persons when it comes to blood donation. In an interview to this reporter, he said he has so far donated blood 73 times and will continue to do it as long as he is capable.
Premjit was born on 1st April, 1981 and passed out his matriculation from Government Ideal School, Takyel in the year 1999.
The first time he donated blood was on 3rd December, 1999 on World Disability Day, and from then he has never missed doing so at practically every campaign for blood donation.
This man who also works at Handloom and Handicrafts also asserted that the profit earned from his trade will be used for the welfare of differently abled people.
Philosophically minded, he says it is a human predicament that they cannot live alone. It is with this belief that he appeals to all that they must donate blood as the human can used only human blood and not from any other animals like pigs or cows. Each bottle of donated blood can save a precious life somewhere or the other. He said people must not listen to the rumours such as that body size increases by donating blood. “If that’s the case then there will be no vehicle that can carry a regular blood donor like me and no doors that I can pass through”, he joked.
Why donate blood?
There is no substitute for human blood. It cannot be manufactured in any laboratory or factory. Blood can be stored for only 35 days and not any longer. Moreover, there is a constant need for blood donation to meet the ever increasing demand of blood and blood products. Blood donated by anyone can save the lives of those who are undergoing surgery, or have lost blood in an accident or childbirth or are suffering from cancer, hemophilia, thalassemia, and severe anemia. Nobody knows who will require blood, when and where. Regular blood donation by a large section of the society is insurance for all.
Why Voluntary blood donation?
Blood from commercial source or replacement blood doners is unsafe whereas, blood from Voluntary Non-remunerated Blood Donors is the safest source of blood.
Is Blood Donation safe?
Yes, Blood Donation is safe. One cannot get any infection, including HIV, while donating blood as all consumables and equipment used during the process are sterile and safe from infection.
Who can be a Voluntary Blood Donor?
Everyone who is between the age group of 18 and 65 years, whose body weight is not less than 45 kg, hemoglobin level not less than 12.5 gms/hundred ml and in good health can be a blood donor.
How much blood do we have in our body?
For men, there are 76ml of blood per kg of body weight. For both men and women it is 66 ml of blood per kg of body weight. For both men and women, the body’s requirement of blood is only 50 ml per kg of body weight while the rest (26 ml of blood per kg of body weight in cases of men and 16 ml of blood per kg of body weight for women) are surplus.
How much blood can one donate?
One can donate up to 8ml of blood per kg of body weight. In a blood donation, a Donor has to donate 350 ml of blood. This is just a fraction of one’s surplus blood.
What is the replenishment time of this donated blood?
Liquid part of the donated blood is replenished in 2 days while cellular component is replenished in 21 days.
What special diet, medicine or rest are required after blood donation?
No extra or special diet, medicine and rest are required after blood donation. After half an hour of blood donation, one can resume normal activities.
What should be the Interval between blood donations?
The interval between blood donations should be not less than 90 days/3 months. Between 18 to 65 years of age, one can donate blood 188 times.
Why 3 months’ interval has been stipulated though donated blood is replenished within 21 days?
As an additional precautionary measure for safety of donor.
What are the responsibilities of Blood Donors?
Before Donation:- To provide correct information about one’s health status.
After Donation:- To collect the Donor Card; to remember when to come for next donation and bring the Card with you each time when you come for blood donation; to encourage others to donate blood; use blood only from Licensed Blood Banks; know the procedure to get blood from Blood Banks.
What laboratory lests are performed for each donated blood unit?
Testing of every donated unit of blood for the following infections is mandatory:
* HIV
* Hep B
* Hep C
* Malaria
* Syphilis
After blood donation, some donors faint. Is that common?
Very occasionally a donor may faint. The most common reason is psychological and often due to rushing to get up too soon after donating. Relax and rest a little and you will be fine.
If you want to give someone a second chance, donate blood. It is safe, it is easy and it saves lives.
News Anchor at ISCOM, and a degree holder in mass communication from the Department of Mass Communication, Manipur University
