KUCHING: The Sarawak General Hospital (SGH) Blood Bank is appealing to members of the public, especially those with Group O and B blood types, to donate their blood.
It said the demand for these two blood types had increased since last week in the daily operations of the hospital. Approximately 60 to 70 bags were needed daily for emergency cases, blood loss during birth delivery, fire cases, accidents as well as supply of blood bags to patients with thalassemia and cancer.
The blood bank added that the SGH was also supplying blood bags for daily operations of district and private hospitals around Kuching City.
“The increase of usage for Group O and B blood is because many patients receiving treatments at SGH are from these two blood types. Hence, there is a concern that the current supply cannot meet the increasing demand,” it said in a statement yesterday (Oct 17).
The blood bank added that the SGH would be holding a blood donation drive at Mydin Semariang in conjunction with the Maulidur Rasul public holiday on Tuesday (Oct 19) from 10am to 3pm.
“There will also be a blood donation drive in cooperation with the Petra Jaya Liverpool Fans Club starting from 9am to 3pm on the same day. Free parking will be available at the building.
“Both blood donation drives aim to enable members of the public who are unable to donate on working days or the weekend to do so on the public holiday,” it said.
The blood bank also urged those with Group A and AB blood to donate their blood so that the supply of the two blood types would remain sufficient.
“Members of the public who are interested to donate their blood will need to bring their identity cards and ensure that they are healthy on the day of donation. They are also reminded to eat and drink plain water sufficiently so that the blood donation process will go smoothly.
“The most interesting part is those who come forward can find out what their blood type is for free. New donors will also have the opportunity to be part of the Bumi Kenyalang blood donors’ community and contribute to the community, particularly the patients,” it added.
For any inquiries or further information, members of the public can contact 082 276797, 082 276795 or 010 8578909 (Borhan) and visit the SGH Blood Bank on Facebook.
