The Blood Donor Center of Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) has launched a national campaign to encourage citizens and residents of Qatar to donate blood.

Giving blood is safe and hygienic with the HMC guidelines infection control practices in place at Hamad Medical Corporations both Blood Donor Centers and two Ramadan mobile units at Souq Waqif and Msheireb Downtown.

One out of every 10 patients admitted to hospitals may be in urgent need of a transfusion of blood or blood products, and there are many patients whose lives depend on blood and blood products transfusions. The unit of blood donated may benefit at least three patients if used as separate blood components.

Patients who might benefit from the donation are many, including victims of road accidents, victims of other accidents and burns, patients with different types of cancers, patients with a blood disease or bleeding problems, pregnant or post-delivery mothers, and many others.

"Modestly, giving blood saves lives. The blood you give is a lifeline to many patients in an emergency and for people who need long-term treatment, for example, cancer patients. We need new donors from all backgrounds to ensure there is the right and safe blood available for patients who need it," Chairperson of the HMC Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology Dr. Einas Al Kuwari said.

"This Ramadan, you can make a real difference to someones life. We do advise people who are fasting to wait after Iftar to donate blood and people who are not fasting can donate between 8am to 1pm."

Dr. Al Kuwari assured the public that giving blood during COVID-19 is safe and hygienic.

"We can also assure all member of the public that giving blood is safe and they should have no concerns about donating. Our teams at Qatar Blood Services have stepped up precautionary measures to ensure that every blood donation is safe during the pandemic," she said. "This includes asking all donors to show the Ehteraz application and a checkup and triage checking body temperature, asking about recent travel history, as well as regular cleaning and stringent disinfection of all surfaces and equipment. COVID-19 tests are not required for donors to donate blood."

(QNA)