Saturday 20 / April / 2024
Muscat: A blood donation campaign was organised by Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) at Oman Avenues Mall to mark World Blood Donor Day.
Operating under the slogan, “Blood Connects Us All”, the campaign sought to promote voluntary blood donations and community involvement.
The event was attended by a large group of donors - both Omanis and expats, including Filipinos and Indians.
Commenting on the blood drive, Dr. Arwa Al Riyami, Chairperson of the Blood Donation Committee at SQU said, “Attendance at this campaign was higher, compared to other campaigns conducted in the Holy Month of Ramadan.”
Out of 174 visitors who arrived to donate blood, 106 were qualified to donate blood, with an average of ten donors giving blood per hour. Dr. Arwa Al Riyami appealed to the public to donate blood.
“One single donor benefits three patients” she noted.
Some donors were rejected fora variety of medical reasons, including low blood pressure.
“Donors should have a meal before donating blood and drink plenty of fluids, especially after fasting,” she advised.
Al Riyami noted the contribution of the “Oman Blood Donors” volunteer group. “The group worked in recruiting visitors, educating them about the importance of blood donations and helping them in the donation process.
The medical team included seven to ten members who worked with blood donors.
“This contribution highlights the importance of different volunteer groups in supporting blood donation activities,” said Al Riyami.
This blood drive was part of the Sultan Qaboos University blood donation campaign schedule for the month of Ramadan. There are twice-weekly campaigns being held in mosques and malls. In addition, the Sultan Qaboos University Blood bank has extended its working hours to 24 hours per day, except Fridays, to welcome blood donors to share the gift of life.
