Bharatpur:Bharatpur Metropolitan City has introduced a new initiative to promote blood donation awareness by incorporating blood donation education into the school curriculum for students in grades 6 to 8. This effort is part of the city’s strategy to cultivate a culture of voluntary blood donation from a young age.
According to National News Agency Nepal, Bharatpur Metropolitan City claims to be the first local government in the country to integrate such education into its curriculum. The designed lessons are part of the disaster management section, addressing the frequent blood shortages in the Chitwan district.
Subashchandra Acharya, Chief of the Metropolis’s Education Administration Division, stated that the curriculum aims to develop a sense of humanity, social responsibility, and a willingness to donate blood among students. Acting Mayor Chitrasen Adhikari emphasized that the curriculum underscores the necessity, significance, and humanitarian value of blood donation, developed after consulting with medical experts and education specialists.
Chitwan district has a significant demand for blood, attributed to the major healthcare facilities like Bharatpur Hospital, BP Koirala Memorial Cancer Hospital, and various medical colleges and private hospitals. The region requires around 150 units of blood daily, with shortages often forcing patients to seek donors.
The Bharatpur Metropolitan City oversees 111 community schools and 97 institutional schools, with 74 community and 80 institutional schools offering lower secondary-level education. Over 25,000 students are enrolled at this level, as reported by the Metropolis.