On the occasion of the observance of World Sickle Cell Day, the special issue of the quarterly bilingual magazine Punarbasa Samachar on “Blood Related Disabilities” was unveiled on 20th June, 2025 at the Rehabilitation Centre under the guidance of Chief Advisor Biraja Routray.

The guests of honour at the programme included Dilip Kumar Layak, Administrative Officer of the District Headquarters Hospital, Dr. Manas Kumar Jena, Executive Officer of the Cooperative Bank, Bharati Swain, Head of the ANM Training Centre, and Subha Narayan Nayak, District Public Health Communication Officer. They created awareness among the participants regarding the seriousness of blood-related disorders and disabilities. They also shared information about World Sickle Cell Day, observed every year on 19th June.

The speakers expressed concern over the increasing number of anaemia patients in recent years and highlighted the shortage of adequate blood supply. They emphasized the need for greater public awareness and encouraged people to donate blood regularly. The guests appreciated the magazine issue, describing it as timely, informative, and socially relevant.

Assistant Secretary Bansidhar Mohanty delivered the introductory remarks. Trainers Anita Patra, Pranati Jena, Ananta Patra, Anuja Nayak, Sushri Sangita Biswal, Swarasudha Das, Nivedita Mohanty, and Pooja Behera actively participated in the discussion and contributed significantly to the programme.

Swapnanshu Kumar Das, therapist Rachita Kena, Gunjansmita Behera, Sanjib Kumar Jena, Mihir Ranjan Barik, and Gayatri Prusty played important roles in the overall management of the event.

Finally, Professor Jatindra Rout, member of the editorial board of the magazine, proposed the vote of thanks.