Latest news with #DepartmentofBloodBankServices
Observer
14-06-2025
- Health
- Observer
'Your blood donation means life to others'
Muscat: June 14 is observed as World Donor Day and in Oman, the Department of Blood Bank Services under the Ministry of Health has been conducting a campaign on the importance of donating blood. Community drives were also organised on the same day. On this day, blood banks around the world celebrate the heroes of life who give hope with blood. The theme for World Blood Donor Day 2025 is 'Blood connects us all: share a blood donation, save a life.' 'With every bag of blood you donate, you give a new chance to three people eagerly awaiting hope and bring a smile to their families' faces,' stated the campaign from Khoula Hospital. More than 100 million donations are collected annually in 170 countries. The Sultanate of Oman is one of the leading countries in blood donation campaigns. 'The Sultanate of Oman is a pioneer in efforts to promote a culture of donation and enhance safe stocks,' stated Oman's Blood Bank Services. Regular donations help save lives, support medical operations and care for mothers and children. Sami al Zedjali, who has a career in the banking sector; and enjoys biking and travelling, has been donating blood for 20 years. 'It has become such a natural part of my life that I hardly think twice about it. What motivates me? Knowing that a small act on my part can literally save someone's life, even if I never meet them. There's a quiet joy in that,' he said. When asked what he would like to tell others, he replied, 'It's easier than you think (the needle pinch lasts seconds; the impact lasts a lifetime). Your blood is always needed — someone, somewhere, is praying for it right now. You'll walk out feeling lighter (in your heart, not just your veins!)." The campaign on Saturday emphasised that in every bag of blood you donate, you give a new chance to three people eagerly awaiting hope and draw a smile on the faces of their families. There are 12,700 donation centres worldwide, but there is always a demand. Joining in the initiative, the Indian Social Club conducted a blood donation drive at the central blood bank in the Wilayat of Bausher; and the campaign was inaugurated by G V Srinivas, Ambassador of India to the Sultanate of Oman. Earlier this month, the Central Blood Bank announced that it needed 12 platelet donors to meet the needs of patients and support health institutions. Platelet donation is a new hope for patients who need you. Some of the conditions that have to be considered before donating blood are the facts that the weight of the donor must not be less than 50 kg, the donor's age must be between 18 and 65 years old; and blood pressure and hemoglobin must be within the normal range. The blood bank is open for donors from Saturday to Thursday from 8 am to 8 pm; and on Friday from 8 am to 2 pm.
Muscat Daily
09-03-2025
- Health
- Muscat Daily
Gift of life in month of giving
Muscat – Muscat governorate needs around 120 units of blood daily and more than 6,000 units monthly. With blood donations dropping drastically during Ramadan, the Department of Blood Bank Services has issued an urgent appeal for blood and platelet donations. What can be done to encourage more donations during the holy month? Here is what Muscat Daily readers said – Salim al Habsi, Teacher One way to boost donations is to set up mobile blood donation units near mosques and iftar tents. People can donate after breaking their fast in a convenient and accessible location. Employers can also encourage their staff to donate blood. Mariam al Balushi, Homemaker Social media campaigns and community leaders should play a role in spreading awareness. Hosting blood donation challenges where groups or companies compete to donate the most units can make it more engaging. Highlighting success stories of those saved by blood donations can inspire people. Ahmed al Hinai, Businessman Many people believe that donating blood while fasting weakens them. To encourage donations, hospitals can organise post-iftar donation drives. Awareness campaigns should highlight the fact that donating blood does not invalidate fasting. Religious scholars can also educate people on the rewards of saving lives during Ramadan. John Carter, Engineer Blood donation centres should offer incentives such as free health check-ups or small tokens of appreciation for donors. If people know they are getting a health benefit along with saving lives, they may be more motivated. Partnering with restaurants to offer post-donation refreshments can also help. Rajesh Kumar, Salesman In India, community-driven blood donation camps are popular. A similar approach in Oman can work – collaborating with community groups and religious organisations to organise group donations after iftar. Providing transportation to donation centres could also encourage more participation. Zainab Shaikh, Social Worker Many women hesitate to donate due to myths about weakness. More awareness programmes targeting women can help dispel these misconceptions. Also, having donation centres near shopping malls or Ramadan markets could make it easier for people to donate while they are out.
Muscat Daily
03-03-2025
- Health
- Muscat Daily
Ramadan shortage: Urgent call for blood donations
Muscat – The Department of Blood Bank Services (DBBS) has issued an urgent appeal for blood and platelet donations during Ramadan, emphasising the critical need to support patients across the sultanate. 'Central Blood Bank in Bausher urges you to donate blood and platelets during Ramadan. Our goal is to provide more than 2,900 blood units and 270 platelet units to meet the urgent needs of patients. Join us in saving lives and offering hope to those in need,' DBBS stated. With limited time available for donations during fasting hours, Central Blood Bank has called of potential don- ors to come after ift-ar. Donors are advised to drink plen- ty of fluids before and after donating to ensure their health is not compromised. Ahmed bin Hamad al Kharusi, a frequent blood donor with record 177 donations, spoke to Muscat Daily about the situation. 'Muscat governorate needs around 120 blood units daily and more than 6,000 blood units monthly. The situation is urgent. We call on donors to step forward and help save lives.' Kharusi added that while blood donation campaigns are often organised in mosques and markets, during Ramadan the number of donors decreases as Muslims can only donate after breaking their fast. 'There are a number of patients requiring blood transfusions, including those with genetic blood diseases like sickle cell anaemia and thalassemia, cancer patients, victims of traffic accidents, and individuals undergoing major surgeries.' DBBS is organising over 20 blood donation campaigns in mosques and malls across Muscat during Ramadan to ensure steady supply. Blood can be donated daily at the blood bank from 7.30pm to 11.30pm and in the morning, Sunday to Thursday, from 8am to 12.30pm.
Muscat Daily
05-02-2025
- Health
- Muscat Daily
MoH urges support for blood donation campaigns in Ramadan
Muscat – With the holy month of Ramadan knocking on the door, the Department of Blood Bank Services of Ministry of Health (MoH) is calling on communities across Oman to play an active role in lifesaving blood donation efforts. The Central Blood Bank in Bausher has highlighted the critical need to maintain an adequate blood supply during Ramadan when there are few blood donations. To meet this growing need, the ministry is encouraging volunteer groups, mosque committees and public councils in Seeb, Bausher, Muttrah and Amerat to help organise local blood donation drives. These campaigns are scheduled to take place from 8pm to 11.30pm, providing convenience for donors to participate after iftar. 'Our goal is to make donating blood more convenient and to reach as many donors as possible during Ramadan,' said a spokesperson of Department of Blood Bank Services (DBBS). 'We invite community groups to support this noble cause, which aligns with the spirit of giving and charity during the holy month.' Interested groups and individuals are encouraged to coordinate with the Donor Affairs Department before Thursday, February 13. For more information or to register participation, call DBBS on 24591255/24594255 or WhatsApp via 94555648. Central Blood Bank is urging people to donate with the slogan 'Double your blessings this Ramadan – donate blood and save lives'.
