A new life-saving app named ‘Social Capital’ is available on Google Play Store to meet the need for blood during emergencies.

Claimed to be a first-of-its-kind, this is a joint initiative of the Municipal Corporation, hospitals and NGOs in the city. The project is funded by CRI Pumps and the software has been created by Spice Foundation.

The app was launched by G. Selvaraj, Joint Managing Director, CRI Pumps along with R. Vijayakumar Managing Trustee, S.N.R. Sons Charitable Trust at the Sri Ramakrishna Nursing College auditorium.

Vijayakumar also honoured 72-year-old Rtn. MPHF. PP. Arun Gokuldas who has donated blood 168 times till date and members of Sri Annai Karangal Nalasangam, Periyanaickenpalayam for their dedication towards blood donation for the past seven years.

M. Dinesh, Coordinator of the Social Capital project, explained the functioning of the app, “Through this app, blood need alerts from hospitals instantly reaches donors within a 5-km radius, following which any donor can confirm donation through the app. The alert message closes automatically when the donation of required units is confirmed. This way the relevant blood group people get the message in a timely manner and they can help save lives.”