Oman marks World Blood Donor Day

MUSCAT: The Sultanate of Oman joins the world to mark the World Blood Donor Day, celebrated on June 14 each year, in recognition of the vital contributions of blood donors in saving lives and improving the quality of healthcare and to emphasise the importance of establishing a culture of voluntary and regular blood donation.
Dr Khalid bin Said al Habsi, Senior Consultant Haematologist and Transfusion Medicine Specialist and Head of the Blood Bank Services Department, said that the Blood Bank Services Department in Bausher recorded a significant rise in the number of blood units collected, from 28,613 units to 42,023 units between 2020 and 2025, a 47 per cent increase. This reflects a growing public awareness of the importance of blood donation.
He pointed out that a large number of donors have a history of more than 50 blood or platelet donations, with some making 300 donations. He explained that the Blood Bank Services Department is responsible for meeting the needs of various health institutions in Muscat Governorate, and its services sometimes extend to other governorates. More than 4,000 units of blood are provided monthly, at a rate of approximately 140 units daily, ensuring the continuity of efficient and uninterrupted treatment services for patients.
He added that these figures pertain only to the blood bank services in Bausher, while other blood banks exist within the Healthy Cities and their affiliated hospitals in Muscat Governorate. He noted that the needs of other governorates vary depending on population size and the number of donors annually. He explained that one of the most significant challenges to maintaining a sustainable strategic blood reserve is the decline in blood donations during official holidays, the summer season, and the holy month of Ramadhan.

Al Habsi noted that there are rare blood types that require special attention to ensure their availability, and that blood type O negative, known as the universal donor, remains one of the most needed blood types for emergency situations. He added that individuals with negative blood types make up about 5 per cent of all donors.
He pointed out that blood units undergo comprehensive laboratory testing to detect bloodborne diseases such as hepatitis B and C viruses, HIV, malaria, and syphilis. He stressed that all blood banks use advanced DNA testing technology to ensure the highest level of safety for blood units.
He added that blood donation has proven health benefits for the donor including contributing to improved cardiovascular health and reducing excess iron levels in the body. This, in turn, reduces oxidative stress on the arteries, helps lower bad cholesterol, and improves blood flow.
Al Habsi said that the patient groups that benefit most from blood donation include patients with thalassemia, sickle cell anaemia, and cancer patients who need continuous platelet transfusions, in addition to those injured in traffic accidents, patients undergoing major surgeries and emergency cases in maternity wards to save the lives of mothers. — ONA