Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif on Sunday urged the public, especially young people, to actively engage in voluntary blood donation, praising donors as true benefactors of society. In her message marking International Blood Donor Day, she paid heartfelt tribute to those committed to this vital cause.
She emphasized that donating blood voluntarily goes beyond aiding a single patient; it represents a significant humanitarian service. Notably, she highlighted Punjab’s advancement in healthcare technology by announcing that citizens can now register as voluntary blood donors through the Punjab Safe Cities Authority website or by visiting the nearest Police Khidmat Markaz.
In a significant development, Maryam Nawaz revealed that Punjab is the first province in Pakistan to launch an official Virtual Blood Bank. This system allows individuals facing medical emergencies to access blood services immediately by calling the emergency helpline 15 and selecting option 4.
The Chief Minister explained that the Virtual Blood Bank acts as a real-time link, connecting families urgently needing blood with nearby registered donors, thereby reducing delays during critical moments. She also referenced World Health Organization guidelines, underscoring that a sustainable, safe, and readily accessible blood supply is essential for a strong healthcare system.