The fine art of creating blood donors at home; and resources for those in Chennai seeking to donate blood

In 2016, a 29-year-old George Town resident named Shaikh Shamsudeen made a decision that would become the cornerstone of his life - joining the ranks of blood donors. This choice was influenced by his father, Shaikh Sadaqathullah, who had been donating blood since 1993, and the family's strong history of blood donation at New College, which supported government hospitals such as Royapettah General Hospital.

Shamsudeen's blood type is AB Negative, a rare group that makes up only 2% of the global population. His dedication to donating blood is not frequent, but instead he does so when there is an urgent need for AB Negative blood. He is registered with the Madras Voluntary Blood Bureau (MVBB), which provides blood to government hospitals, including the Cancer Institute.

In April this year, MVBB celebrated its Golden Jubilee and Shamsudeen, with his rare blood type, was once again called upon to donate. He has a total of 22 donations under his belt, a testament to his commitment. Shamsudeen's father, Sadaqathullah, has donated 53 times. However, he had to stop due to health concerns.

The Shaikhs' story is a reminder of the importance of blood donation and the impact it can have on those in need. It also highlights the role of organizations like MVBB in supporting blood donation drives and keeping track of donors. Shamsudeen's father-son duo serves as an inspiration for others, especially for those looking to increase the number of blood donors.