Scouts and Guides lead Dhofar-wide blood donation drive

SALALAH: The Department of Vocational Guidance and Counselling through its Scouts and Guides department organised a Dhofar-wide blood donation drive.

The theme for this event was 'Donating blood is health for the donor and a gift of new life and vitality for others.' The drive began in Salalah in collaboration with the General Administration of Health Services in Dhofar Governorate.

The camp, held at the Training Centre in Al Dahariz, had participants from the local community as well as members of the Scouts and Guides.

The initiative received an overwhelming response as many donors came forward to donate.

“The campaign's primary goal is to ensure a safe and sufficient supply of blood to meet the needs of those who rely on it for health-related assistance,” said one of the event organisers.

Scouts and Guides lead Dhofar-wide blood donation drive

This effort is part of the ongoing awareness campaigns conducted by the General Administration of Health Services in Dhofar, represented by Sultan Qaboos Hospital in Salalah.

Ali bin Awad, Head of the Scouts and Guides Department at Dhofar Education, emphasised that 'donating blood is not only a health responsibility but also a religious duty, one that ensures we can support those in need while also benefiting our own well-being.' Baghdad bint Bakhit Judi, from the Health Education and Psychological Counselling Department at Sultan Qaboos Hospital, reiterated the critical role blood donation plays in reducing and combating diseases. She highlighted the educational guidance provided to donors about the importance of their contributions.

Sarah Mohammed al Sayed, a teacher at Al Badiaa School, described donating blood as “a humanitarian obligation, one we should all embrace, as it is an essential need for many and an opportunity to screen for illnesses.”

Osama bin Muslim bin Khamis, a Scout and donor, praised the initiative, stating that 'such campaigns should be a priority across all government sectors and institutions.' He commended the General Health Services for its efforts in coordinating the event.