Urgent call for donations at blood banks in Oman

Muscat: Oman Blood Bank has urged the public to donate blood and platelets because of a shortage during the holy month of Ramadan.

In a statement, the Blood Bank said, "Due to the shortage of blood donations during Ramadan, the Central Blood Bank in Bousher calls on donors to urgently donate today."

The Blood Bank said that there is an urgent requirement of A-, B+, O-, and O+ blood types.

The Ramadan Blood donation drive at the Central Blood Bank in Bousher is conducted during the evenings from 7 pm to 11 pm and in the mornings from 8 am to 11 pm throughout the week, except on Fridays and Saturdays.

More than 5,000 units of blood are needed every month in Oman, prompting the need for the community to support ailing community members.

Doctors have also assured the public that there isn’t any change in the number of people who need blood transfusions during Ramadan, as opposed to any other month.

The Central Blood Bank of Bousher, along with others around the Sultanate, have provided a window during the evenings for donors to come in.

Donors should also be aware of common health issues that may prevent a person from donating blood or platelets.

“Temporary conditions include the donor’s general health, or dental treatment, or taking medication. Some body infections, or deficiencies, or vaccinations may also affect your ability to donate. Certain treatments and surgeries may also cause a hindrance, as well as travelling to certain countries where disease is prevalent,” a doctor at the Central Blood Bank of Bousher said.

“Permanent conditions that wouldn’t allow for donation at all include cardiovascular diseases, infectious blood diseases, certain viruses, and diabetes,” he added.

The doctor encouraged all individuals to donate during Ramadan, and to only donate during post-fasting hours, and keep an eye on the many blood donation campaigns and drives that are organised around the Sultanate.

Donors who wish to contribute can call +968 94555648, 24591255, 24594255. More information can also be found on their social media handles across Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat, under the handle @DbbsOman.