Muna Al-Haway: Public access for blood donation available through website, social media, and direct engagement

The Sharjah Blood Transfusion and Research Centre of the Emirates Health Services (EHS) has organised its third and fourth phases of the ‘Basmat Hayat’ blood donation campaign that is driving blood donations from all EHS staff across its facilities in the country from September 5 to 9.

The third phase of the campaign featured mobile blood donation buses, equipped with all the necessary supplies, at Al Qassimi Women and Children’s Hospital on September 5. A blood donation drive followed on September 7 at EHS headquarters.

The fourth phase of the campaign will start on December 12, 2022 to motivate and encourage staff at EHS and its facilities to periodically donate blood.

Muna AlHaway, Director of Blood Transfusion and Research Services at the centre, emphasised the importance of blood donation and the ‘Basmat Hayat’ campaign’s continuity, to spread health awareness and educate the public about the importance of voluntary blood donation, and meet the needs of patients in hospitals. She added that Blood Transfusion and Research Centre aims to promote this culture among staff working across all EHS’ facilities.

Furthermore, Al-Haway accentuated the need for the community to engage on calls for blood donation by the centre that are sent out through the official EHS channels, as there are qualified staff whom work hard to manage the blood stock and manage requests for critical cases needing blood transfusions in government and private hospitals across the country 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

She said, concerning affiliate blood banks, that EHS provides full information about the conditions and processes of donating blood through its website, in addition to a set of digital channels.

Digital Blood Donation Services

Aligned with the blood donations campaigns launched by Blood Transfusion and Research Centre, EHS introduced digital blood donation services, through smart and traditional channels. People interested can follow the steps on EHS’ website including registration, review of educational materials about blood donation, donor form, and required information for donation. Donors can also find out what initial tests are required such as blood type tests and vital signs reviews that tests blood pressure, heart rate and temperature to ensure the donor safety.

Those wishing to donate blood can go to Blood Transfusion and Research Centre which located in Sharjah, or subsidiary blood banks at Kuwait Hospital, Dubai, Al Dhaid, Khorfakkan and Kalba hospitals in Sharjah, Umm Al Quwain Hospital in Umm Al Quwain, Saqr Hospital in Ras Al Khaimah, as well as Fujairah and Dibba.

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