One in four patients needs blood transfusion in UAE

Negative blood groups are more rare, compared to positive blood groups

Doctors in the UAE are taking great strides in the efforts to encourage more people to become regular blood donors, stressing that one in every four patients is in need for urgent blood.
Dr Rakeshkumar Shah, Specialist - Clinical Pathology, Burjeel Hospital, told Khaleej Times that there is a growing demand for blood donors, particularly those carrying rare blood groups.
"The negative blood groups are more rare, compared to positive blood groups, so it is important for those who are eligible to donate, to do so."
"At times when the need is there for a rare blood group transfusion during an emergency or trauma, it becomes a crisis."
Dr Shah pointed out that donating blood also helps improve the health of the donor.
"Donating blood helps balance the access of the body's iron, as well as reduce the chance of heart attacks and strokes."
He noted that in cases of trauma or acute medical emergency it is really important to match the requirement with the blood availability supply.
"We encourage donors with the rare groups to be in touch with the blood bank so they can be on call if they are ever in need."
Dr Shah said at least two patients a day require blood transfusions at the hospital.
"We have many complex surgeries that are supported by blood transfusions, particularly heart surgeries, treatments for cancer patients and complex cases of pregnancies."
Raising awareness is key
The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP), represented by the Sharjah Blood Transfusion and Research Centre, recently commemorated World Blood Donor Day under the theme 'give blood , give now , give often.'
The ministry honoured those who regularly donate their blood and the supporters of blood transfusion services, while emphasising that raising awareness is key.
Special blood donation campaigns were held at various mosques in Sharjah over a period of four days during Ramadan, and UAE entities continue to create campaigns that encourage people to donate.
Dr Hussein Abdul-Rahman Al Rand, Assistant Undersecretary of MOHAP's Health Centers and Clinics Sector, said that the UAE celebrates World Blood Donor Day annually to honour regular donors and raise awareness about the importance of providing safe blood transmission methods to accident victims and patients with health conditions, including as thalassemia and anemia.
Dr Al Rand stressed that one in every four patients brought to hospitals are in urgent need of blood, signifying that the demand for blood is increasing, and surpassing the rate at which it is being collected.
"Our biggest priority is to ensure that blood is being collected as quickly and as safely as possible."
"We are committed to ensuring the health and safety of the community, and encourage every individual to motivate one another to achieve this goal."
Safia Al Shamsi, Director of Laboratories and Blood Bank said campaigns are regularly organised to encourage blood donations.
She pointed out that due to the growing demand for blood, there is always an urgent need for donors, who can help save the lives of thousands every year through either regular or emergency donations.
"A single unit of blood, can contribute to saving three to five lives."
How to become a blood donor
Dr Rakeshkumar Shah, said central blood banks are located across the UAE, where donors can give blood.
"Private hospitals don't collect blood, the blood banks collect the blood units from donors."
"The UAE has an excellent blood banking system."
He noted that donor can begin from the age of 18, right until the age of 55, adding that a healthy male can donate up to five times a year, whereas a healthy female can donate up to three times a year.
Dr Sha stressed that all donors who intend to donate blood are screened by the bank blood physicians for their health fitness, including their hemoglobin, blood pressure and weight.
"Donors have an opportunity to get a mini health check-up to see if they are fit for donation."
jasmine@khaleejtimes.com