A campaign driven by compassion

The Blood Transfusion Services Department (BTSD) at the Ministry of Health is gearing up to set a new record. By the end of this year the number of blood donation campaigns will reach 200, achieving a total of 6,000 units of blood, an official said yesterday.

Dr Amin Al Amiri, Director of the BTSD, said the department launched a programme to carry out 200 blood donation campaigns through mobile blood banks, which reached out to voluntary donors across the country.

"Nearly 150 blood donation campaigns have been carried out this year during which more than 5,000 units of blood were collected from donors," he said.

Last year 165 such campaigns were held which collected about 4,775 units of blood. These donations collected through two mobile banks were sent to 14 blood banks across the country.

Dr Al Amiri said some of the institutions involved in the programme have been conducting yearly campaigns since 1995. The demand for blood and blood components is increasing due to the steady growth of the UAE population.

He said the BTSD covers the requirements of 42 private and government hospitals across the country. Dr Al Amiri said the BTSD is planning to add two new mobile banks.