Rotary Club of Pune Central Organises Blood Donation Camp for Thalassemia Children on National Doctors’ Day
Reported by Shoaib Tadvi
Camp, 2nd July 2026 , 2026: Reinforcing its commitment to community service, the Rotary Club of Pune Central, in association with The Poona Club Ltd. and the Sassoon Hospital Blood Centre, organised a blood donation camp on the occasion of National Doctors’ Day to support children suffering from thalassemia.
The blood donation drive was held on Wednesday, 1 July 2026, at Conference Hall 2, The Poona Club Ltd., 6, Bund Garden Road, near Blue Nile Hotel, Pune, from 9:30 am onwards. The initiative marked the beginning of the Rotary year 2026-27, reflecting Rotary International’s guiding principle, “Service Above Self.”
The campaign aimed to raise awareness about voluntary blood donation while ensuring a steady supply of blood for children with thalassemia, a genetic blood disorder that requires patients to undergo lifelong, regular blood transfusions. Organisers highlighted that every unit of donated blood can help save lives and improve the quality of life of children dependent on frequent transfusions.
The project was spearheaded by Rtn. Oni, R’Ann Nafisa Kakajiwala, PP Rtn. Ravi Kapoor, and PP Rtn. Sanjay Karwa, with enthusiastic participation from Rotary members, volunteers and blood donors. The organisers described the drive as a meaningful beginning to the club’s service activities for the new Rotary year.
Blood collection and medical supervision were managed by the Sassoon Hospital Blood Centre under the guidance of Dr. Arti Barde, Blood Transfusion Officer, and Arun Barde, Social Service Superintendent, ensuring that the donation process was conducted safely and in accordance with medical protocols.
Speaking about the initiative, PP Rtn. Ravi Kapoor said, “Beginning the new Rotary year with a blood donation drive is a true reflection of our motto, ‘Service Above Self.’ Every blood donor contributes to saving lives, and through this initiative we hope to bring hope to children battling thalassemia and their families.”
Dr. Arti Barde, Blood Transfusion Officer, emphasised the importance of voluntary blood donation, saying, “Children with thalassemia require blood transfusions at regular intervals throughout their lives. Blood donation camps organised by community organisations play a vital role in maintaining adequate blood stocks and ensuring that no child is deprived of timely treatment.”
The organisers expressed gratitude to all donors, volunteers and partner organisations for making the initiative successful. They reaffirmed their commitment to continuing community welfare projects throughout the Rotary year and encouraged more citizens to come forward and donate blood regularly, stressing that a single donation has the potential to save multiple lives.
