Lyna Mohammad
Radisson Hotel recently concluded a blood donation drive in conjunction with World Blood Donor Day.
Speaking to the Bulletin were donors comprising employees and the public. Among them was Roby from the Human Resources Department who has donated blood at the Jerudong Park Medical Centre (JPMC) over the past 10 years.
Recalling his first blood donation experience, Roby said it happened when his grandfather was transferred to JPMC for an operation. Roby’s grandfather needed blood transfusion, and having a universal blood type of O+, Roby rolled up his sleeves and donated a pint of blood.
“Since then I have been donating blood several times, as I thought that we don’t know when we need blood transfusions. I decided to do my part as a responsible citizen to donate whenever I can and help those who are in need”.
Since 2007, Roby has donated more than 20 times and he vowed to continue doing so, highlighting that he will donate blood for anyone in need of blood transfusion.
“You never know when the time comes, so let’s continue to donate blood to help replenish the blood supply stock. Your pint of blood could be the reason for someone to continue living.”
PhD student from Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) Abdul Malik Omar joined the donation drive following a friend’s recommendation.
“Donating blood to help save lives is a great thing because donated blood can save three lives. This motivates me to donate blood six to seven times”.
However, Abdul believes he needs to do more, especially upon knowing that there are people who have donated over 40 to 50 times. He said he needs to catch up considering he still has time.
Abdul’s first experience was at a social event which he happened to be at. It was intimidating at first but the medical staff were supportive and helped him calm down.
“Though not everyone donates blood, everyone can at least try it once in a while. It may be intimidating but the medical staff are always supportive. When you bleed once for a good cause it may more donations,” he added.
“It is a matter of saving people’s lives. A lot of Bruneians especially cancer patients and those with open heart surgery need blood the most and this is the time to make a direct impact to save those lives.”
Housewife Noni Santi Othman from Jalan Muara found out about the blood drive on social media and drove all the way to the hotel.
She has made it a point to donate blood every four months since her first blood donation, which was a few years back, before the COVID-19 pandemic.
“My husband always donates blood. I am afraid of needles but I still wanted to donate. After I first started, it was okay,” she said. “Maybe part of it was because I intended my donating blood as a charitable act, so I think for those who want to donate blood but are still afraid, just think of it as one good deed in life and be bold to try once at least. Experience what it is like to be one reason that helps save a life.”
World Blood Donor Day is celebrated annually every June 14. It serves as a global platform to raise awareness about the need for safe blood and to thank blood donors for their life-saving contributions.
