Bharatpur Metropolitan City has integrated blood donation lessons into its local school curriculum for students in grades 6 to 8, aiming to foster a culture of voluntary blood donation from a young age. With this initiative, the Metropolis claims to be the first local government in Nepal to introduce blood donation education at the school level.
Addressing Local Healthcare Needs
Designed directly by the Metropolis following consultations with medical professionals and education experts, the new content has been placed under the disaster management section of the curriculum. The decision comes in response to recurring blood shortages in Chitwan district, where daily medical demand reaches approximately 150 units of blood.
Chitwan serves as a major healthcare center, housing the federal Bharatpur Hospital, BP Koirala Memorial Cancer Hospital, two medical colleges, and over 20 private hospitals. Patients undergoing emergency care, cancer treatment, and childbirth frequently require blood transfusions, often forcing families to search for donors during critical times.
Fostering Social Responsibility
Subashchandra Acharya, Chief of the Metropolis's Education Administration Division, explained that incorporating these lessons seeks to instill a sense of humanity, social responsibility, and willingness to donate among students. Acting Mayor Chitrasen Adhikari further noted that the curriculum highlights the necessity, humanitarian value, and importance of blood donation.
According to data from the Metropolis, Bharatpur currently has 111 community schools and 97 institutional schools. Among these, lower secondary-level education is offered by 74 community schools and 80 institutional schools, covering a student population of more than 25,000 at this level.
