Himachal News/HDFC Bank to hold national Blood Donation Drive

Shimla, December 1, 2013: HDFC Bank Ltd., will hold a nationwide Blood Donation Drive on Friday December 6, 2013. This annual initiative held by HDFC Bank is now in its seventh year and is the largest single-day donation campaign held in India.  This year the bank will set up blood donation camps at over 1400 centres in 725 cities across India. Out of these centres, 496 will be set up in college campuses. People who wish to donate blood can find the centre nearest to them by checking the bank website at the following link. http://www.hdfcbank.com/blooddonation

The Bank has tied up with local hospitals and blood banks across these cities for technical assistance. Last year was the first time that the bank set up camps in colleges and 20,500 students from 226 colleges came forward to donate blood. HDFC Bank has doubled the number of colleges that will participate this year.  According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), a country needs a minimum stock of blood equal to 1% of its population. This means India needs 12 million units of blood. A shortage of this life-saving resource has a major impact on victims of road accidents and trauma, women with complicated pregnancies, patients suffering from cancer and various blood disorders such as Thalassemia, and people undergoing major surgeries.

“There is no artificial substitute for blood, and every volunteer in our annual blood drive is taking a step that could help save a life. As a socially responsible corporate citizen we wish to do our part to narrow the gap in demand and supply of blood and make a difference in people’s lives. Come be a part of this noble mission by making an appointment to donate blood on Friday, December 6, 2013,” said Mr. Bhavesh Zaveri, Country Head - Operations, HDFC Bank.

HDFC Bank started this initiative in 2007 when over 4000 people volunteered for this cause. Since then the camp has grown in size and stature. In 2012, the bank collected 61,611 units of blood from 75,000 participants.