Mizoram MP Donates Mobile Blood Donation Bus for Public Health Services

On July 5, Mizoram’s lone Lok Sabha MP, Richard Vanlalhmangaihna, made a significant contribution to public health by donating a blood donation bus to the Aizawl Civil Hospital blood bank. This initiative aims to boost the state’s already strong tradition of voluntary blood donation.

The donated vehicle, a 12-seater Tata Winger worth ₹18 lakh, was officially handed over to the President of the Association for Blood Donation (ABVD). This donation was made through the MPLADS (Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme) fund, making Vanlalhmangaihna the first MP from Mizoram to contribute a blood donation bus through this mechanism.

During his speech, the MP expressed pride in Mizoram’s culture of voluntary and free blood donation, which he noted is uncommon in many other Indian states. He pointed out that in most places, people only donate blood in emergencies or when it is needed by close family or friends. In contrast, Mizoram has cultivated a long-standing and selfless tradition of donating blood regularly to local blood banks. He expressed hope that this noble tradition continues to thrive and expand.

C. Lalnunnema, the President of ABVD, praised the MP’s contribution and emphasized its importance. He recalled that the last time such a donation had occurred was in 2007, when former MP Vanlalzawma facilitated the procurement of a blood donation mini bus through the CSR initiative of Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited. Lalnunnema highlighted how this new donation marks a milestone in the support of public health infrastructure in Mizoram.

The ABVD president also shed light on the diverse and active participation in Mizoram’s blood donation efforts. Contributors include church youth groups, student bodies, NSS volunteers, Young Mizo Association (YMA) members, police, armed forces, NGOs, political parties, and many individual regular donors. Their consistent involvement has made Mizoram one of the leading states in India when it comes to voluntary blood donation.

Further, he mentioned the CHA Model Blood Bank, which operates statewide and organizes numerous blood donation camps every year. For the fiscal year 2024–25, the blood bank has set an ambitious target of 93.71% blood collection through voluntary donations. The new mobile donation bus is expected to play a critical role in helping achieve this goal by making blood donation drives more accessible and efficient across remote and rural areas.

This event not only highlights a practical step towards improving health services in Mizoram but also celebrates the community spirit and civic responsibility that drives the state's successful blood donation programs. The initiative is likely to inspire further contributions and strengthen public-private cooperation in healthcare initiatives across the region.