Dr. Jai Gopal Jolly
(1st Oct, 1926 - 5th Oct, 2013)
Sadly missed along life's way Quietly remembered every day No longer in our life to share But in our hearts, you are always there
Dr. Jai Gopal Jolly was an internationally renowned expert in the field of blood transfusion, who pioneered the voluntary blood donation movement in India and is regarded as the “Father of Transfusion Medicine” in India. He spearheaded the campaign to prohibit sale and purchase of blood from professional donors. He was founder head, Department of Transfusion Medicine, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh. He was the founder President of Indian Society of Blood Transfusion and Immunohematology and gave a unique opportunity to medical staff and volunteer blood donors to interact during meetings of this society. He was also founder Head of Transfusion Medicine Departments at Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute (SGPGI), Lucknow. Under his leadership, SGPGI became the first center to start MD Transfusion Medicine course in the country. He was instrumental in framing the standards for blood banks and blood transfusion services. He also contributed towards the development of Departments of Transfusion Medicine at Government Medical College, Chandigarh and Dayanand Medical College, Ludhiana. As a result of his innumerable contributions, numerous distinctions were conferred on him and his birthday (1st October) is celebrated as National Voluntary Blood Donation Day all over the country. Transfusion Medicine Community in the country would remain indebted to him for all the times to come.