From Bhutan to Calcutta: A Journey of Blood and Brotherhood
Bhutanese Volunteers Donate Blood to Aid Cancer Patients
Kolkata: Hundreds of Bhutanese citizens have traveled approximately 1,000 kilometers to Kolkata to donate blood at the Tata Medical Center in New Town. This initiative follows a directive from HM The King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, aimed at supporting cancer patients.
The Royal Bhutanese Consulate General (RBCG) in Kolkata, in collaboration with the De-suung headquarters, His Majesty’s Secretariat, and the Ministry of Health, Royal Government of Bhutan, has launched this blood donation program. The program, initiated recently at the Tata Medical Center (TMC), Kolkata, saw 43 De-suups and RBCG officials donating blood. The effort aims to address blood shortages faced by Bhutanese patients, particularly those battling leukemia at TMC. Approximately a thousand De-suups have registered for the program.
Today, on 30 July, the second batch of volunteers arrived in Kolkata, with the third batch expected on 2 August.
Since last Thursday, the Tata Medical Center has been hosting these donors. The first batch of 41 Bhutanese volunteers, dressed in bright orange uniforms, arrived at the blood bank and donated blood after offering prayers. Tashi Penjore, the Consul General of the Royal Bhutanese Consulate, stated that 334 volunteers have registered for this program, which will run in batches until September 5th, with a break for festivals and a continuation until February. The goal is to bring at least 800-900 donors.
During the launch, the Consul General of RBCG, representing the Royal Government of Bhutan (RGoB) and the families of the patients in Kolkata, expressed gratitude to TMC for providing affordable, high-quality treatment to Bhutanese cancer patients. The Consul General also thanked the De-suups for their participation. The Director of TMC commended the volunteers and noted His Majesty’s concern for his people. Currently, there are 121 Bhutanese cancer patients undergoing treatment at TMC.
P. Arun, the hospital director, highlighted the importance of the blood donations, especially for patients requiring substantial amounts of blood for treatments such as leukemia, bone marrow transplants, and surgeries. “You cannot buy blood in the market. Whenever we put up a notice saying a patient from Bhutan needs blood, our staff members offer to donate,” Arun said.
The De-suung program, launched in 2011 by the King, encourages Bhutanese citizens to engage in nation-building and volunteerism. The donors started their journey from Thimphu, crossed the border at Phuentsholing by bus, and boarded the Kanchankanya Express at Hasimara to reach Sealdah.
Bhutanese patients have been visiting the Tata Medical Center since 2012, and director Arun has conducted surgery training at a Bhutanese hospital. The volunteers also get to tour Kolkata, with plans to visit a mall, a novelty for many Bhutanese. The train journey, was a new experience for many volunteers.
The second batch of De-suups arrived today, 30 July, and the third batch is scheduled to arrive on 2 August. This initiative underscores the close ties between India and Bhutan and the spirit of cooperation that transcends borders. Inspired by the De-suung code of honor and service to the nation and people, and His Majesty The King’s concern for Bhutanese people worldwide, the program highlights the enduring friendship and solidarity between the two nations.
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