A total of 58 people donated blood at a blood donation camp held in Hulhumalé to mark the 80th Independence Day of India.

The camp, held at Hulhumalé Orange Hiya, was organised jointly by the High Commission of India in the Maldives, the Indian Cultural Centre, and the Overseas Tamil Welfare Association of Maldives. Blood was donated by Indian nationals working in the greater Malé area.

Speaking to PSM News about the camp, the Overseas Tamil Welfare Association said the main objective of the initiative was to encourage voluntary blood donation and to raise public awareness about the importance of donating blood. The association added that reviving the spirit of community service and solidarity was also an important aim of the event.

Noting the many challenges currently faced in sourcing various blood types, the association said such activities help revive the spirit of humanity and make it easier for those in need to access blood. The association also gave assurance that similar activities will be held in the future, and that its members stand ready to donate blood at an individual level as well.

The Indian High Commission organises such blood donation drives in the Maldives every year. The High Commission notes that these activities receive the full support of the large Indian community living in the Maldives.