(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) Â Head of the Dubai Blood Donation Centre (DBDC) Dr Laila Al Shaer has asked more people to come forward and donate blood as summer has started and Ramadan is approaching.
Dubai is currently meeting its demand for blood and blood products, she said.
"Yes, we are meeting demand but I would like to encourage people to put their names in our database so that we can contact them according to the demand and supply."
The DBDC, which was established in 1986, is the main provider of blood and blood products, which are supplied to DHA hospitals and more than 27 private hospitals in the emirate of Dubai. "In 2012, the centre collected 42,400 life-saving blood units, a 17 per cent increase compared to 2011," said Dr Al Shaer. "None of these were paid donations," she added.
The DBDC collects 50 per cent of the total blood collected in the UAE. "Forty-three per cent of the blood was provided to Thalassemia patients, some as young as six months old; 27 per cent was used for Rashid Hospital patients who include patients admitted to the Trauma and Emergency centre; while six per cent of the blood was used for patients at Latifa Hospital mainly for maternity cases that experience bleeding post-delivery and need transfusions," she explained. The DBDC is also seeing an increase in collections. "Single donor platelets (SDP) collected from the aphaeresis unit has increased by 47 per cent in 2012 as compared to 2011.
There has been an overall increase in the collection of blood products including packed cells (PC), fresh frozen plasma (FFP), cryoprecipitate (CRYO), and single donor platelets (SDP)."
Having a database of donors is particularly important for rare blood groups such as O-ve.
"A person with this blood group can supply blood to all blood groups but an individual with this blood group can only receive O-ve blood," explained Dr Laila.
Of the 42,400 units collected in 2012, 66 per cent were collected through blood donation campaigns while only 34 per cent was collected through walk-ins.The DHA blood donation centre is located on the premises of Latifa Hospital. Individuals interested to donate blood may contact on 009714 2193221.
They can also contact the new blood donation site located in the General Directorate of Residence and Foreigners Affairs on weekdays from 9am to 4pm or call 009714 7075599.
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