Dr Rosemawati speaking at the virtual celebration of World Blood Donor Day 2021.
KUCHING (June 19): The daily collection of blood supply has decreased about 40 per cent during the current Movement Control Order (MCO), said Sarawak Health acting director Dr Rosemawati Ariffin.
“For Sarawak alone, about 150 bags of blood are needed every day to be supplied to hospitals.
“Currently, an average of 2,000 bags of blood are needed daily for use in hospitals nationwide. This means that blood banks require at least 2,000 donors to come forward every day to meet the needs of patients,” she said today at the virtual national-level World Blood Donor Day 2021, which was officiated by Health Minister Dr Adham Baba.
Dr Rosemawati noted that because there is public awareness, there has been an increase in blood donation throughout the state every year, but the amount decreased last year due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
With the decrease in total collection of blood supply, she said that the virtual celebration is timely as it can promote continuous blood donation.
“So we would like to call on the healthy youths to come forward to donate their blood and make blood donation a healthy lifestyle and culture.
“At this time you can donate blood because it is an essential service. You can donate at the blood bank and blood donation centres provided as they are controlled and safe,” she said.
With the theme this year “Give blood and keep the world beating”, Dr Rosemawati said that the objective of the celebration is clear, which is to appreciate the contributions of blood donors and blood donation campaign organisers, as well as to raise awareness on the importance of blood donation.
She congratulated all on their efforts for having fulfilled their social responsibility towards the society, in both urban and rural areas.
This year, 21 blood donors in the state were given awards for their contributions. They are Peter Lim Eng Choon, Ngiam Kee Youn, Hung Soon Liing, Lim See Moi, Sii How Ping, Isnin Layong, Peh Hui Ting, Wahid Pani, Chu Fui Ngo, Teo Ie Voon, Angela Kathy Kintang, Chieng Pung Chiew, Mas Elawati Jamal, Osman Rapaee, Beatrice Luma Ding, Golory Anyaw, Pehan Majis, Irwin Matthew Menezes, Mohd Razi Kodin, Junaidi Yak, and Wong Kien Kuok.
In addition, 16 organisations were recognised for their role in organising blood donation campaigns. They are Miri Sin Chew/Liansin; Federation Of Chinese Associations Kuching, Samarahan And Serian; Sarawak Blood Donors Society; Sibu Life Care Society; Kemena Life Care Society; Miri Malaysian Red Crescent; Tay Motors; Liansin Trading; Lions Club Sibu Berjaya; Time Square Megamall; Sanyan Wood Industries; Surau Al Mustaqim, Taman Bouganvilla; Northern Sarawak Journalist Association; Sarawak Red Crescent; Sarawak Police Training Centre; and Sarawak ATM Veterans Affairs Department.