Indian ambassador accorded farewell in Abu Dhabi

Dubai: A blood donation drive was conducted by Karnataka Sports and Cultural Club (KSCC) at in Al Wasl Club Stadium here on Friday, 26th June 2020.

The drive started around 1:00 pm and continued till 4:00 pm as per schedule provided by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) Blood Donation Centre and 60 people donated blood to support the Blood Bank. The drive was well organised by maintaining social distance in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

As blood cannot be produced but only can be donated, this drive will help many patients in need of blood during emergencies. Donors were also feeling proud and happy at this moment thinking of saving someone’s life.

DHA Blood Donation Centre staff carried out the screening and testing done in very well manner keeping social distancing during this pandemic. Volunteers of KSCC were also helping the staff to keep people in safe distance and to make this drive a success.

KSCC Manager Mr. Mohammad Shafi and other office bearers were present at the event venue. KSCC thanked the volunteers, Community Development of Authority (CDA), Dubai Health Authority (DHA), Blood Donation Centre, Government of Dubai and Al Wasl Club Stadium for making the event successful.

Indian Overseas Congress (IOC) Chaiman Dr Sam Pitroda held video conference with senior IOC office bearers across Middle Eastern countries on 14th April 2020 to review the impact of COVID-19 pandemic among Indians residing in the region. Almost all speakers appreciated the efforts initiated and  implemented by  respective governments to contain spread of the deadly virus as well as measures taken towards welfare of the people affected by the lockdown. 

IOC Presidents, Mohammed Mansour - Bahrain, Abdullah Manjeri - Saudi Arabia, Dr J Ratan kunar - Oman and Girish kumar - Qatar, highlighted the quality treatment of patients and finacial aid provided by governments and other authorities. Bahrain IOC president Mansour , also  apprised about the 'Food for Needy' drive in Association with KHK Heroes foundation, initiated by HH Sheikh Khalid Bin Hamad Al Khalifa and quality treatments as well as financial aid to local and expat residents.

Anura Mathai, IOC  Global Event Coordinator, spoke about certain problems of Indians in the UAE. IOC Middle East Convener, Mansoor Palloor, emphasised and requested IOC Chairman to urge Indian government to arrange immediate repatriation of indians stranded in Gulf countries. AICC Secretary, Himanshu Vyas, IOC Secretary Dr Arathi Krishna, Dr Arshi Malik (Abha), Mohiuddin Sirajudeen (Jeddah), Advocate Joseph Palathara (Dammam) Prasad Kodru, Jayati Maitra Ziyad Ahmed (Qatar) and Khursheed Alam (Gen Secretary- Bahrain) also apprised the participants about various issues relevant to the pandemic and suggested further initiatives to be undertaken. 

Dr Sam Pitroda briefed about sustained and consolidated efforts by all IOC members  during this unprecedented situation facing the world and assured that he would convey IOC  concerns to the government and try his best to ensure all possible help is made available to all needy Indians.

Karnataka Sports and Cultural Club (KSCC) organized Blood Donation Camp at Latifa Hospital, Oud Mehta Dubai on April 23rd, 2020 in association with Dubai Health Authority (DHA) and with support from Community Development Authority (CDA) Government of Dubai.

Blood Donation Drive started in the morning at 7:30 am to 6:00 pm. Around 48 people participated in this drive and donated blood to support the Dubai Blood Bank.

A potential shortage of blood for transfusions has been occurred due to a significant reduction in voluntary blood donations during this time of the COVID-19 pandemic. The current pandemic, health services are now running with shortages of blood availability. To support the DHA Blood Bank KSCC taken initiative to ensure that blood donations continued and are safe for both the donor and the recipient.

After taking safety precaution and safe distance during the blood donation donors feeling happy and honored to participate and donate blood at this pandemic situation. Club Manager Mr. Mohammad Shafi was also present during this event.

KSCC appreciated all the blood donors and be grateful to Dubai Health Authority (DHA), Community Development Authority (CDA), and Government of Dubai for their association for this event. They also thanked the volunteers and supporters.