Agartala, June 15 (Reporter) The Tripura government has set a target to keep a stock of at least 50,000 units of blood in the blood banks; Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha said on Saturday. Saha, who flagged off the state's first Blood Collection & Transportation Van, said: “The present blood collection is around 40,000 units from the donors, but steps have been taken to increase the collection through social organisations, clubs and colleges. "Our target is to keep a stock of 80,000 units in the blood banks. Now infrastructure for collecting and transporting blood from distant locations has been created to cater to the growing demand," he said. While urging people to participate in voluntary blood donation activities, the Chief Minister said before starting a surgical procedure a surgeon keeps at least two units of blood in stock. “We have 14 blood banks, 12 of them are government-run and two are private. Now in our state, we can also separate blood components.” He informed that the first Blood Collection & Transportation Van has been deployed in Dhalai district. At least two people can donate blood simultaneously in this vehicle, and in the coming days, more such vehicles will be available. “Donating blood can also be beneficial for one's health. We have around 1,100 registered social clubs and have asked them to set an annual calendar and organise blood donation camps so that we don’t face any crisis,” he added...////...