MUSCAT, JAN 26
The Central Blood Bank in the Wilayat of Bausher has called on donors to donate blood units, especially blood types (O-ve) and (A-ve), as the need for blood units has risen over the last week.
In an appeal, a statement further says that if one's blood type is one of these two types, they should approach the Central Blood Bank and donate blood at the earliest, as there is a dire need for blood units.
Blood donation hours at the Central Blood Bank (Bausher) are from Saturday to Thursday from 8 am to 8 pm, and on Friday from 8 am to 2 pm.
"The appeal is made because of an increase in the demand for the same due to a drop in blood donation during the past few weeks. Hence, all donors are urged to come forward and help save lives," the appeal further said.
Anyone who meets the eligibility criteria can donate blood between these timings at the Bausher Blood Bank.
Willing donors can call or WhatsApp 94555648, or dial 24591255 and book a slot to participate in the national blood donation drive.
According to Ministry of Health statistics, the demand for blood units per day in all hospitals and clinics is around 150 units, whereas the average supply stands at 100 units, resulting in a shortfall of nearly 50 per cent.
On average, the demand for blood and its components has been steadily rising by 10 per cent to 15 per cent, and in the recent past, it has jumped fourfold, according to the CBB.
The cases that require blood units or one of its components are mostly surgery cases, RTAs (Road Traffic Accidents), other accidents related to the workplace or home, malignant blood diseases, bone marrow failure, some cases of genetic blood diseases, some cancerous tumours, and some cases of childbirth.
"In light of these, NGOs are urged to conduct more blood donation camps, while the DBBS itself is organising various blood donation camps from time to time. These are in cooperation with private organisations," a representative from the Blood Bank told the Observer.
Meanwhile, several organisations and other regional as well as professional bodies have been conducting blood donation camps, mostly over the weekends, in support of the drive.
A blood donation camp was organised by the voluntary group NTR Trust Oman at the Central Blood Bank, Bausher, on Friday. Around 64 donors donated blood on the occasion.
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