Blood bank in dire need of supplies

SUPPLIES of blood groups A, AB and O at the national hospital is in dire need of replenishing as a decrease in donors during Ramadhan has depleted stock to low levels, said representatives from the Blood Donation Centre (BDC) at Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha Hospital.

Ramadhan typically sees a decrease in donors as Muslims cannot give blood while fasting, said Chong Kim Moi, head of BDC.

"Due to the fasting month there are less people donating simply because they fast in the day time and at night they are busy with prayer. As Brunei is a (predominantly) Muslim country, 90 per cent of blood at BDC has been donated by Muslims."

While fewer people donate blood, the need remains the same, said Chong. Patients with blood disorders, surgical, cancer and accident and emergency patients, post-partum mothers and premature infants are just some of the people that need blood transfusions.

"Blood products such as platelets have a short shelf life of five days and it really puts pressure in maintaining the stock," said Chong.

Ken Teo, a scientific officer at BDC, added that there tends to be more road accidents during the festive Aidil Fitri period and more blood supplies are needed, but less people come forward to donate.

"With the upcoming Raya holidays, surely more blood and blood products will be needed," he said.

To encourage the public to give blood during the fasting month, BDC is opening every Tuesday night during Ramadhan from 8pm to 10.30pm. Non-Muslim donors can still donate at any district hospital during office hours daily.

The BDC has successfully harnessed the power of social media to solicit donations, using Twitter and Facebook accounts to inform the public when stock is running low or when there is a blood drive.

"We also announce via TV and radio," said Chong. "With the help of the nation we will be able to make sure our stock at the Blood Donation Centre stock is constantly available for our patients' use, which might be one of our family or friends ."

The Brunei Times