Long-time blood donors upset over rejection

Dubai: A dozen blood donors from India and Pakistan say they felt 'left out' when they were turned away due to the risk of malaria, part of the Health Ministry's new policy on blood donations.

The group, comprising 11 Indians, a Pakistani and three Filipinos, wanted to participate in a blood drive organised by the Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority on May 15. However, only the Filipinos were allowed to donate blood.

The Ministry of Health confirmed that they had rejected the group, saying the new policy required them not to accept blood from anyone who had been to a malaria-endemic country within the last six months.

Dr Ameen Al Amiri, assistant undersecretary for blood transfusion and research services at the ministry, told Gulf News that the policy was enacted on the recommendations of the World Health Organisation (WHO).

Malaria threat

"All these guidelines are for the safety of our patients. It has nothing to do with nationalities," added Dr Al Amiri.

P.V. Gopalkrishnan, one of the rejected donors, told Gulf News that health officials at the blood drive said they were turned away because they had been to India and Pakistan recently.

"I was taken aback because last year I donated blood. There was no such rule that Indians could not donate blood then and I was not stopped," he said.

He added that he had returned from India in March.

Another rejected donor from India, who requested anonymity, said: "I was all set to donate blood. I am a regular donor. The nurse simply told me 'You're from India. India has malaria, so please leave'," he alleged. He had returned from India in December.

Dr Al Amiri said: "The 12 people were rejected but not because they were Indian [and Pakistani]. They were rejected because of new WHO guidelines that malaria is increasing in some countries, such as India and Pakistan," he said.

He added that according to the new guidelines, any individual coming from affected countries or affected areas in some countries could not donate blood for six months, the incubation period for any blood-borne disease, upon their return.

India, Pakistan and the Philippines all carry a risk of malaria, mostly in warm and rural areas. The UAE is a malaria-free country, receiving official notification from the WHO in January.

Blood donation policies currently include restrictions on individuals who underwent surgery, blood transfusion and organ transplantation recently, got a tattoo within the last six months and recent travellers from HIV and Hepatitis-endemic countries.

Individuals who resided in the UK for five years from 1980 to 1996 are also restricted from donating blood, unless cleared by the UAE health officials.

Incubation period for blood-borne diseases is six months

Individuals who have visited malaria-endemic countries are prohibited from donating blood within six months upon their return. According to WHO guidelines, the incubation period for any blood-borne disease is six months.

Half litre can save three lives

Blood is a rich product. Its main components are red cells, platelets and plasma, and the plasma contains a variety of proteins.

Red cells last only 35 days and platelets only 5 days, so a regular supply of fresh blood is vital. Just one half litre of donated blood can help save as many as three people's lives.

Donating blood will help stimulate the generation of red blood cells. It is also good for individuals with excessive iron as it prevents accumulation of iron.

List
Incubation period for blood-borne diseases is six months

Individuals who have visited malaria-endemic countries are prohibited from donating blood within six months upon their return. According to WHO guidelines, the in cubation period for any blood-borne disease is six months.

The following are some of the malaria-endemic countries listed by the World Health Organisation:

Have your say
Do you think the rule safeguards patients? Have you been turned away when wanting to donate blood? Tell us at letter2editor@gulfnews.com or fill in the form below to send your comments.

Prior to sending them back or rejecting them from donation of blood, the concerned authorities must test their blood and finalise this problem. Blood is very important and it can save somebody?s life.
Valsan
Dubai,UAE

You said it Rathna, you should not 'donate' anything when the receiver is 'demanding'.
Sajid
Dubai,UAE

I do not think such a precaution is harmful however the rejection is. It would have been nice if the donors here informed prior to arriving in order to avoid embarrassment. I remember a few years back when the SARS disease was an issue, many airports around the world had to apply a health check procedure on travellers arriving from Asia.
Omar
Abu Dhabi,U.A.E.

I donated my blood last Feb.14 thru NBAD and Ministry of Health (SKMC), I am willing to donate again to anyone. If needed contact me at 050-821 82 61.
Romeo
Abu Dhabi,UAE

Why can?t they do a small blood test to check if the donor has such a disease?
Nousheen
Dubai,UAE

I have been a regular blood donor at the same Jebel Ali Camp and I have got consecutive 2 years certificate of appreciation from them. In the past I have never been turned down but I have always been appreciated. This year since there is the problem of malaria, they are taking this step. But, firstly the camp should have informed all of the donors earlier. This year, unfortunately, I was not able to go for the donation, but lucky me, it is quite insulting to be rejected.
Alifiya
Dubai,UAE

Instead of rejecting blood from citizens of certain countries, it is better to test for malaria on the spot for all the persons who are ready to donate just before the blood donation. There are a lot of persons like me here who are ready to donate blood, but don't have an idea of where and when people needed it. It saves a life. The government should concentrate on awareness campaigns.
Sangeeth
Thrissur,India

It would be nice if they could publish the 'areas' for countries like Pakistan and the Phillipines so that visitors to those countries know where the risk is high.
Usama
Abu Dhabi,UAE

To donate blood is the biggest donation ever, as it saves lives one who has received this donation can only feel how wealthy it is ..Malaria can be cured afterwards too once life is saved.
Rama
Dubai,UAE

Aren?t they supposed to mention the certain areas so that we clearly know if we can donate or not. That would save us the insult we would feel by getting rejected.
Farah
Dubai,UAE

Getting blood at crucial times is very vital and when people are ready to donate blood, do not say NO. In fact, world agencies are educating people about donating blood. When you are donating blood - you live as well as save another precious life.
Eapen
Dubai,UAE

The new rule would definitely safeguard the patients against severe diseases. Many people suffer from blood related problems which they themselves aren?t aware of.There?s no point in donating blood that is already infected with some virus. The requirement of the patient is fresh and clean blood, otherwise, it would only worsen his physical health.It?s known that malaria is a common disease in almost all the developing countries. I appreciate the necessary actions that have been taken by WHO to prevent the spread of it.
Rumi
Sharjah,UAE

I think the Ministry of Health is very right in taking such precautions. And I hope they will start checking also for other epidemic diseases like Hepatitis with all its types A,B.
Inaam
Abu Dhabi,UAE

Well count me out of donating blood in this country again! I'm sure they can find ways of checking if someone's blood is fine or not???
Salman
Dubai,UAE

No one should "donate" blood or anything when the "receiver" is demanding.
Rathna
Chennai,India

It?s not a permanent rejection and this matter is not to be taken personally. The blood can be given to anyone, including patients who are immunosuppressed who are more prone to serious infections that can endanger their lives. Its is very critical to lower the risk of blood related infection as much as possible, even if it means turning some donors away.
S Al Kaabi
Al Ain,UAE