‘DONATING BLOOD WILL NOT AFFECT FASTING’
Donating blood or platelets does not affect one’s fasting and one can very well donate blood and take part in the support to healthcare system in the country.
There has been a reduction in the number of donors in Ramadhan and the number perpetually reduced over the past few days
With Eid al Fitr round the corner and as people might engage themselves more into prayers during the final days of the holy month, chances are the number of donors would reduce further.
Sources at the Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs (MOARA) have affirmed that a fasting person can donate blood and platelets and blood donation while fasting will not nullify fasting.
However, due to restoration and other medical reasons and to keep the person safe, health experts suggest one to take part in the lifesaving mission after breaking fast while non- Muslims can donate blood or platelets any time of the day.
“The forthcoming holidays might result in shortage of blood units, hence, we urge eligible donors to visit the Central Blood Bank at Bausher and donate blood units and platelets during the working hours,” a statement from the blood bank said.
On average, as many as 100 blood units are needed daily to cover patients’ needs during Ramadhan and donors from all the blood groups are required but O positive, O negative and A positive are high in demand, according to Dr Zainab bint Salim Al Fana al Araimiyah, Director of Blood Bank Services.
“We encourage people to come forward and give blood and platelets to save a life”, she said.
The working hours of the Central Blood Bank in Bausher is from 8am till 1pm and from 7.30pm to 11.30pm with an exception on Friday when the Bank is open in the evenings.