Ministry of Finance, National Planning and Trade conducts blood drive |20 June 2025
Ministry of Finance, National Planning and Trade conducts blood drive
The Ministry of Finance, National Planning and Trade conducted a blood drive exercise on Monday where staff generously donated towards the Ministry of Health’s Blood Bank.
The activity, a first of its kind to be organised by the ministry, saw nearly 20 staff participating in the blood drive.
They were first examined by a doctor, who determined whether they could in fact donate in case of any underlining medical conditions, and if they qualified they next proceed to donate, but not before they had undergone a haemoglobin test.
Noah Padayachy, a staff of the ministry, is a regular blood donor. “I started donating regularly to the national blood bank around 5 years ago. I do my best to donate at least 3 times a year. I donate because blood saves live and at the same time it is beneficial to me because of the various tests undertaken on the sample to ensure it is safe to give to another individual. So for me, giving blood can save a life, but at the same time, I can rest assured I am also healthy at the time of donation.”
Lorinda Fanchette, another staff of the ministry, is also a regular blood donor, who started her journey about a year ago. “We know that every drop of blood will help in saving a life, whether it’s a total stranger, family member, a friend or you never know even yourself. As a regular blood donor, every four months I make it a must to donate. I encourage anyone who can, to donate because you never know when you might need a transfusion to save your life. My message is – do not hesitate, come forward and donate.”
While Noah and Lorinda are regular blood donors, for most who participated in the drive, it is the first time such as Aneesha Barbe who expressed her joy at having donated for the first time. “It was something I always wanted to do, especially when you see appeals on social media for blood donation because of a medical emergency. Now that I have taken that first time, I am seriously considering becoming a regular donor, because of the difference it will make.”
Veronique Brutus, senior trade officer, who is a member of the ministry’s social committee stated the blood donation drive “is part of our annual list of social activities and so we reached out to our colleagues across the ministry to invite them to participate. We really appreciate those who heeded our calls”.
Elizabeth Banda, from the Ministry of Health, commended the Ministry of Finance, National Planning and Trade for this initiative. This first blood donation drive by the ministry was organised to coincide with World Blood Donor Day, celebrated on June 14.
Text & photos contributed