CM Maryam urges youth to donate blood as Punjab expands lifesaving Virtual Blood Bank

• Punjab CM pays tribute to voluntary blood donors on International Blood Donor Day

• Says citizens can register through Safe City website and Police Khidmat Markaz

• Punjab Police vows to expand blood donation drives under community policing

 LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Sunday called on citizens, particularly the youth, to actively participate in voluntary blood donation, stressing that blood donors are among society’s greatest benefactors as they help save precious human lives and strengthen the healthcare system through a simple yet life-saving act.

In her message on International Blood Donor Day, the chief minister paid tribute to all individuals associated with the noble cause of blood donation, saying those who donate blood voluntarily serve not only an individual or a family but society as a whole.

She said citizens could register themselves as blood donors through the Safe City website or at their nearest Police Khidmat Markaz.

Highlighting Punjab's efforts to improve access to blood in emergencies, Maryam Nawaz said the province had become the first in Pakistan to establish a formal Virtual Blood Bank. She added that citizens could access the service by calling Emergency Helpline 15 and pressing option 4.

The chief minister said the Virtual Blood Bank enables direct contact between patients in need of blood and registered donors, helping ensure timely assistance during emergencies.

Citing the World Health Organization (WHO), she noted that the availability of safe blood is an essential component of a strong and effective healthcare system.

Punjab Police reaffirms commitment to saving precious human lives

Meanwhile, on World Blood Donor Day, Punjab Police reaffirmed its commitment to playing a proactive role in saving precious human lives through blood donations alongside its responsibility of protecting the lives and property of citizens.

Punjab Inspector General of Police (IGP) Dr Abdul Kareem said the force was further expanding blood donation activities under its community policing initiatives and paid tribute to police personnel and citizens who regularly donate blood.

He said Punjab Police stood shoulder to shoulder with the Health Department and private welfare organisations in supporting patients suffering from thalassemia and haemophilia.

The IGP said police officers and personnel regularly donate blood for needy patients, including children affected by thalassemia and haemophilia, describing the initiative as a shining example of service to humanity.

Directing supervisory officers to organise more blood donation camps in all field formations and police units in collaboration with private institutions, he said blood donation activities should be further promoted to ensure timely assistance for patients requiring blood transfusions.

A Punjab Police spokesperson said that, on the directions of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, Pakistan's first model Virtual Blood Bank Centre had been established and was proving instrumental in ensuring the prompt provision of blood to needy patients through the use of modern technology.

The spokesperson said citizens could contact the Virtual Blood Bank Centre through Emergency Helpline 15. After calling and pressing option 4, callers are immediately connected to the Virtual Blood Bank, where the duty officer obtains details regarding the patient's location and required blood group to facilitate timely assistance.