Blood banks work to increase stocks before Chinese New Year

KUCHING: All blood banks in the state have taken steps to increase their blood stocks before the Chinese New Year holiday next month.

A press release from the Sarawak General Hospital (SGH) yesterday said this is necessary because blood supply usually drops during festive seasons.

It said blood consumption has increased by almost 20 per cent in most hospitals due to increased cases of surgery, emergencies and accidents, as well as for patients in need of blood regularly such as thalassemia and cancer patients.

“For now, blood donation is required from all blood donors throughout the state to cater for critical needs,” said the press release.

Donors can head to blood banks at SGH, Sibu Hospital, Miri Hospital and Bintulu Hospital or mobile blood donation units.

Tomorrow (Jan 20), SGH will hold a blood drive at Giant Hypermarket Mile 10 from 10am to 3pm, while on Sunday (Jan 21) it will be at Selection Supermarket, Wisma Wan, Jalan Tabuan Jaya, also from 10am to 3pm.

Potential donors are advised to eat before donating and ensure they weigh at least 45kg, are aged between 18 and 70 ( previous donors) or between 18 and 60 (firsttime donors).

Those aged 17 can donate with written authorisation from a parent or guardian, and the parent or guardian should also be present during the blood drive. Donors also need to sleep for at least five hours, have no health problems, and have not taken any medication.

For details, call SGH on 082276797 or 082-276795, Sibu Hospital on 084- 343333, Miri Hospital on 085- 420033, or Bintulu Hospital on 086-255899.