The Qatar Blood Services of Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) has extended its appreciation to the thousands of people who regularly donate blood, again calling on more members of the community to consider becoming blood donors.
World Blood Donor Day is held annually on 14 June. The aim is to raise global awareness of the need for safe blood and blood products for transfusion, and of the critical contribution for voluntary blood donors.
According to HMC Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology Chairperson Dr Einas Al Kuwari, blood donors make an essential contribution by keeping the world pulsating, saving lives and improving others’ health.
Safe blood and blood products and their transfusion are a critical aspect of care in our healthcare system. They save lives and improve the health and quality of life of many patients every day.
She said that in Qatar, blood donors supply essential blood and blood products that are used in life-saving procedures, cancer treatment and more. One out of every 10 patients admitted to hospitals may be in urgent need of a transfusion of blood or blood products, and there are many patients whose lives depend on blood and blood products transfusions. One unit of blood donated may benefit at least three patients if used as separate blood components.
Dr Al Kuwari said that throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, dedicated blood donors continued to donate to ensure we had safe and accessible supplies and we thank them for their selfless act.
We thank all of our blood donors for their selfless act. As we begin to move towards a return to normal life, it’s more important than ever to ensure we have sufficient blood supplies. We need new donors from all backgrounds to ensure there is the right and safe blood available for patients who need it.
Qatar Blood Services donation centres and mobile units follow the highest standards of safety and infection control and the teams are taking extra precautions to help ensure the safety of employees and donors.
To mark World Blood Donor Day 2021, HMC and Qatar Blood Services are organising activities in the community, including the lighting in red or the Blood Donor Center next to Hamad General Hospital this week, from 13 until 16 June. A mobile blood donation unit will also be stationed at Lulu Al Khor Mall on 18 June from 3 pm.
Join the growing community of blood donors in Qatar today. Visit hamad.qa for information on how to donate.
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