KUCHING: Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Seri Dr Sim Kui Hian has urged the people to participate in blood donation campaigns held throughout Sarawak.
According to Sim, some 70 bags of blood are needed by the Sarawak General Hospital (SGH) blood bank alone on a daily basis.
“Every 14 days, our blood replenishes itself. There is no such thing as running out of blood after undergoing blood donations,” he said, assuring the people to set their worries aside and not to believe in such misinformation.
He said this when met by the press after officiating at the “Donate Blood Save Life” blood donation programme at LD Lagenda lobby, Kozi Square, here on Saturday (Aug 22).
Dr Sim explained that despite the Covid-19 pandemic outbreak in the state, the amount of blood stored in blood banks is currently sufficient.
However, he said the main concern is that the blood bags could not be stored for a long time.
“We cannot keep the blood for long. If they are not fresh, then we are just transfusing the volume and not the functionality and effectiveness of the blood.
“We cannot do a lot of blood transfusions for one week and keep the blood for two months because the blood would lose its function and effectiveness and that is why this blood must be used within 14 days,” he added.
Sim also noted that the costs of the screening done on the donated blood for various diseases would also be borne by the government, adding that it would be free of charge for blood donors.
“Blood is needed by those who are undergoing operations and people who are in need of blood transfusion due to various illnesses.
“Whatever you donate, it saves lives and it costs nothing,” he said.
