Lyna Mohamad
The Ministry of Education through the Uniform and Community Services Section, Department of Co-Curriculum Education in collaboration with the Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha (RIPAS) Hospital Blood Donation Centre, held a blood donation drive yesterday at OneCity Shopping Centre.
The event, held in conjunction with the 39th National Day celebration, collected 30 pints of blood.
Municipal enforcement officer Mohd Zaidi bin Haji Abu Bakar, 54, has made blood donation a routine since he first rolledup his sleeves for a good cause in the 90’s.
He used to donate blood two or three times a year. However, in the recent years, he has increased it to four to five times a year.
Mohd Zaidi shared that his new blood card shows 20 donations but it could actually be more as he lost his previous record.
He said, “There is no special reason for me to donate. But as I aged, it naturally comes to me to do it and I would feel uncomfortable if I missed an opportunity to do so.”
He also called for everyone to “do our part in giving back to the society and answer the numerous calls of the Ministry of Health to come forward and replenish the blood stock at the blood bank”. For Sal donating blood is one way to help the community. “Before I started to donate blood, I was not sure of the needs, let alone the health benefits to the donor. Since the first time, I began to feel the instinct to help surfaced in me,” she said. After her first blood donation, she had to donate again for her mother, which inspired her to contribute more frequently, especially watching her mother recuperate.
For Patricia Lee, it was her first time being a donor in the Sultanate.
She normally donates blood when travelling to Hong Kong or other countries for business.
She had initially planned to donate last September. However, she was found to be unfit to donate.
Patricia noted that the blood donation system is well thought out and the medical team stellar in their skills and professionalism.
She believes that holding blood donation drives at public places makes the whole process more relaxing.
She applauded the BloodKad app for its regular updates on where and when the next event will be, information that can be shared with family and friends who are keen to donate.
“Every day, there are people in need of support, especially in terms of medication and blood.
If my body is fit, why not? The blood bank is in dire need of blood supplies, so whenever your body is fit, do come forward and donate a pint of blood which could save three lives and at the same time it is good for your health,” she said.
