Hamad Medical Corporation Launches National Blood Donation Campaign – Qatar….it’s in Our Blood
- 3 years ago
Hamad Medical Corporation’s (HMC) Qatar Blood Services has launched a nationwide campaign to encourage citizens and residents to become regular blood donors.
The campaign was launched at Katara Cultural Village on 19 December and is running under the slogan – Qatar…It’s in Our Blood. At the launch were two Blood Donation buses which are emblazoned with the new identity of Qatar Blood Services.
“We want to encourage citizens and residents to save a life and give blood today,” said Dr. Einas Al Kuwari, Chairperson of the HMC Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology.
“Giving blood saves lives. The blood you give is a lifeline in an emergency and for people who need long-term treatments. We need new blood donors from all backgrounds to ensure there is the right blood available for patients who need it.”
Dr. Al Kuwari said the campaign will also see mobile blood donation teams tour the country until April 2021. This is in addition to the two Blood Donor Centers in operation – one next to Hamad general Hospital and a new location at the Surgical Specialty Center.
“Without blood donors, many patients simply would not be alive today We are sending out a message that we are all connected in this great country and through our blood donation, each individual can contribute to a sustainable blood supply,” she said.
Dr. Al Kuwari said there was a lot of public support from individuals, companies and community groups, but more was needed to ensure we continued to be self-sufficient.
“Over the past 12 months there has been around 35,000 voluntary blood donors which, while on par with 2019, needs to be increased as we prepare for the World Cup 2022.”
Dr. Al Kuwari said in light of COVID-19 even more stringent measures were in place to ensure the safety of both donors and recipients.
“Giving blood has continued throughout the pandemic. We ask all our donors to take sensible precautions and be assured that we will look after you when you are with us to donate – both at our Donor Centers and our mobile teams,” Dr. Al Kuwari said.
“Our teams have also stepped up precautionary measures to ensure that every blood donation is safe during the pandemic to include mandatory pre-screening before entering the blood donation sites, as well as regular cleaning and disinfection of all surfaces and equipment.”
For more information about Qatar Blood Services, donating blood in Qatar and where you can donate, go to their new website:
https://www.hamad.qa/en/hospitals-and-services/qatar-blood-services/pages/default.aspx
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