The Central Blood Bank in Bausher has called for conducting blood donation camps by public and private organisations and reach out to the maximum number of donors to help the bank secure enough blood units.
"Any NGO or governmental organization registered with the Ministry of Social Development or any company that has legal entity can conduct a blood donation drive in coordination with the Central Blood Bank," said Dr. Zainab bint Salim al Araimi, Director of Blood Banks Services at the Ministry of Health.
The Central Blood Bank, located in Bausher, caters to various hospitals across the country. The demand for the same has been high. Patients who need a blood transfusion, people needing blood owing to multiple diseases have to depend upon the blood supply from time to time.
However, blood supply compared to the demand is very low, especially during the pandemic as fewer donors turn up to donate blood due to apprehensions.
"Any adult who hasn't travelled out of Oman in the last four months can donate blood at the Central Blood Bank in Bausher, and all he or she has to do is just making a booking so that Covid-19 protocols can be followed," added Dr. Zainab.
There is a need for 600 to 700 blood units at the blood bank per week while the supply is very less. The supply has come down by 40 percent and is likely to continue owing to the pandemic. Many donors cannot donate blood for some reason or the other during the pandemic. The reasons include individuals who tested positive for Covid-19 or are afraid of contracting the virus if they are exposed to medical instruments, which is, in fact, an unfounded fear.
“We urge all associations and NGOs to spread awareness among the members to donate and take part in the national life-saving mission in the wake of shortage in the supply," she added.
She further said that anyone who is not suffering from any communicable disease or who is not chronically ill could donate blood at the blood bank in Bausher from 8 am to 8 pm during working days and on Fridays from 3 pm to 8 pm.
Those who wish to donate blood can WhatsApp on 94555648 or call 24591255 to fix up a time slot for blood donation.
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