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.
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