KUCHING: The Sarawak General Hospital (SGH) Blood Bank is appealing to the public to come forward to donate blood to increase its declining stock.
The blood bank has been experiencing low turn-out of donors at the centre over the past several weeks.
Apart from that, mass blood donations usually carried out in public locations on weekends have been on the decline while organisers have also cancelled several donation activities because of the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Blood donation activities are included under necessary services of the Ministry of Health. People from outside and nearby Kuching can still donate their blood.
“If they are stopped at a roadblock, they just need to show a blood donation card to the personnel on duty and express desire to donate blood,” the centre said.
The centre assures that blood donors do not have to worry about getting a permit if they are outside Kuching area.
“For new donors who want to donate blood but do not have a blood donation card or book, they can fill in the registration form online at the link https://regdonor.bbis.moh.gov.my/ and print the form and bring it along with them,” it added.
With the current Covid-19 situation, the SGH Blood Bank is experiencing an acute shortage of blood supply.
“This is also due to the National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme (PICK) where many blood donors have received their vaccine and had to postpone their blood donations,” it stated.
The centre explains that a person who has received the vaccine can still donate blood after seven days from the date of receiving the vaccine.
“Former Covid-19 patients can also donate their blood within 14 days from the date of full recovery,” it said.
The blood bank urges people who are physically fit to help save lives by donating blood.
SGH Blood Bank operates from 9am to 3pm on Saturday and Sunday.
For the schedule of weekly blood donation activities, the public can refer to the centre’s Facebook page Blood Bank Sarawak General Hospital or call them at 082 276797 (office) or 010 8578909 (Borhan).
