Mayurbhanj’s regular blood donor, Dr. Niroj Kumar Pothal, has set a shining example of humanity and a spirit of service. After learning that AB-positive platelets were urgently required for 23-year-old Hitesh Kumar Nath, who is undergoing treatment for a critical blood cancer at AIIMS Hospital in Bhubaneswar, Dr. Niroj immediately stepped forward to help.
Hitesh has been suffering from blood cancer for a long time and is undergoing treatment at AIIMS. During his treatment, he frequently requires blood and platelet transfusions. Hitesh is the only son in his family and lost his mother during the COVID-19 pandemic. His father, Ratikanta Nath, is now his only hope and support. Despite facing many difficulties, Ratikanta has been regularly arranging blood and platelets for his son’s treatment with the support of various social workers and blood donors.
As Hitesh urgently required AB-positive platelets as advised by doctors, his father, Ratikanta Nath, contacted Dr. Naresh Chandra Sahu, President of the Odisha Blood Donors Federation. Dr. Naresh Chandra Sahu immediately informed Baripada’s regular blood donor, Dr. Niroj Kumar Pothal, about the requirement.
As soon as he received the information, Dr. Niroj travelled from Baripada to Bhubaneswar by a night bus without any delay. He reached AIIMS Hospital the following morning and donated his platelets to support Hitesh, who was undergoing treatment. The platelets were collected under the supervision of Dr. Debashish Mishra.
It is worth mentioning that Dr. Niroj Kumar Pothal has previously travelled several times from Baripada to Bhubaneswar and Cuttack to donate his platelets for patients suffering from dengue, bone marrow disorders and cancer. So far, he has donated blood a total of 140 times and has been honoured and awarded at various places for his contribution.
This humanitarian effort of travelling a long distance to donate platelets in an emergency for an unknown patient is certainly an inspiring example and will encourage others to come forward for blood and platelet donation.
