Visakhapatnam: A foundation stone was laid for the construction of a blood bank in the scenic tourist destination of Araku Valley in Alluri Sitarama Raju district. The project is being funded with ₹95 lakh from the personal funds of deputy chief minister Pawan Kalyan.
Blood Bank to Serve Tribal Communities
The blood bank will be built within the premises of the Area Hospital to address the growing medical needs of tribal communities in the region. The initiative follows Pavan Kalyan’s visit to Dumbriguda mandal, where tribal residents highlighted the acute shortage of blood and the challenges faced by patients suffering from sickle cell anaemia and severe anaemia.
Health Crisis in Tribal Areas
According to local inputs, around 30 patients in and around Dumbriguda are currently affected by sickle cell anaemia, while cases of anaemia are widespread in tribal areas. The absence of blood storage facilities, even at district hospitals, has worsened the situation.
Responding to these concerns, the deputy chief minister announced that he would fund the construction of the blood bank through his personal resources. District collector Nishanti noted that the facility would significantly improve access to timely medical care for tribal populations.
Construction by BSR Charitable Trust
The blood bank building will be constructed by the Bengaluru-based BSR Charitable Trust. The foundation stone was jointly laid by district collector Nishanti, RTC Vizianagaram region chairman Donnu Dora, and Araku MLA Matsyalingam.
