Chandigarh, October 2, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Punjab has secured the third position nationally in voluntary blood donation per million population, based on data recorded on the Union Government’s e-RaktKosh portal for calendar year 2025.
Congratulating voluntary blood donors, civil society organisations and healthcare professionals, Punjab Health and Family Welfare and Medical Education and Research Minister Dr Balbir Singh said the recognition reflected the spirit of compassion and community service among the people of the state.
Punjab was felicitated at the National Voluntary Blood Donation Day (NVBDD) 2026 programme held at the Swarn Jayanti Auditorium, Lady Hardinge Medical College, New Delhi. The event was attended by Dr M. Srinivas, Member (Health), NITI Aayog, as the chief guest, along with Dr Loveneesh G. Krishna, Director General of Health Services, and Dr Himani Ahluwalia, Director of Lady Hardinge Medical College.
Highlighting the state’s performance, Dr Balbir Singh said Punjab collected 5,44,167 units of blood during 2025–26 through 6,583 blood donation camps organised with community participation.
He said 92 per cent of the total blood collected across the state came through voluntary donations, while voluntary donations accounted for 99.6 per cent of the blood collected at government blood centres.
“Blood donation is one of the noblest forms of service to humanity. Every single unit donated voluntarily becomes a lifeline for a patient in critical care. This national honour belongs first and foremost to our noble voluntary blood donors whose unwavering generosity powers our healthcare ecosystem,” the Health Minister said.
Dr Balbir Singh appreciated the efforts of the Punjab State Blood Transfusion Council (PSBTC), Punjab State AIDS Control Society (PSACS), government and private blood centres, non-governmental organisations, educational institutions and other stakeholders in promoting voluntary blood donation and raising public awareness.
He particularly acknowledged the contribution of youth and student volunteers, saying their participation was important for developing a sustainable pool of voluntary blood donors.
Reaffirming the commitment of the Punjab Government, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the minister said the state would continue to expand its blood transfusion infrastructure, ensure round-the-clock availability of safe blood and blood components, and work towards achieving 100 per cent voluntary blood donation coverage.
He urged all healthy and eligible citizens, particularly young people, to donate blood regularly and help make voluntary blood donation a sustained people’s movement across Punjab.
“A small contribution of our time gives someone a second chance at life,” he said.
Punjab was represented at the national felicitation ceremony by Dr Sunita Devi, Joint Director (BTS-cum-Lab Services, PSACS); Pankaj Kumari, Deputy Director (Lab Services, PSACS); Dr Ketki Sharma, Assistant Director (VBD, BTS, PSBTC); and Amrit Raj, Office Assistant (PSBTC). The delegation received the recognition on behalf of the state.
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