From Brunei Times
Ramadhan sees rise in non-Muslim blood donors
Good gesture: Aware that Muslims who are fasting cannot donate blood, members of the non-Muslim communities are donating blood to keep the blood supply at a healthy level. Picture: BT file
Thursday, September 18, 2008
DUE to limitations of Muslims giving blood during the fasting month of Ramadhan, non-Muslim communities in the country have taken it upon themselves to help keep the stock of blood at a healthy level as the demand for blood still remains.
The Blood Donation Centre at Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha (Ripas) Hospital is usually open during office hours in the day but during Ramadhan, the centre also opens in the evenings to groups and associations that wish to donate blood.
The centre was filled with some 50 both experienced and new donors from the Chinese Chamber of Commerce and the Tunas Brunei Association as well as the publicon Wednesday night.
Mohd Shahrunney Hj Saparudin, scientific officer at the Ministry of Health's Laboratory Services Department told The Brunei Times that he understood why there is a dip in Muslim donors even though the centre is open in the evenings as they still have to attend religious functions and perform the tarawikh prayers.
He said that Brunei requires about 1,000 pints of blood monthly and about 10,000 pints annually, while blood donation drives and contributions from large groups, associations and companies have ensured that the target is always met.
However, he pointed out that throughout the year, there are sometimes a shortage in specific blood groups.
Liew Yian Choo, assistant head of the Chinese Chamber of Commerce's Women Council said that their blood donation initiative is an annual event.
Aware that Muslims would have problems giving blood during Ramadhan, the association decided to gather its members during that time of the year. About 20 members from the association's Women's Council and Young Entrepreneur Council donated blood that evening.
An enthusiastic first-timer, 29-year-old Shahiran Sheriffuddin knew about the Blood Donation Centre being open that evening from the Tunas Brunei Association and a friend's blog.
From there, he called on his family and friends to join in so that there would be an increased awareness of the importance of donating blood.
After finding out that he is an 'O' blood type, the health facilitator in the Health Promotion and Education Department said that he would try his best to give blood every three months. As 'universal donors', he urged other 'O' blood types to follow in his footsteps and give blood regularly.
According to Mohd Shahrunney, there needs to be more aggressive tactics to promote public awareness of regular blood donations.
In conjunction with World Blood Donor Day on June 14, the Ministry of Health collaborated with state-broadcaster Radio Television Brunei to produce a short video, and the message was also relayed through the media.
He said that the public needs to be educated as to why blood donations are important. "Sometimes, it not just the red blood cells but patients may need only plasma or platelets," he said. He hopes that if the public realises that their donations can help people such as those suffering from cancer, and those undergoing surgery, they will adopt a better attitude towards regular blood donation. The Brunei Times
Those of you, who haven't a clue who Abang Boy is; Maybe this picture can help you visualize. Haha.
Abang Boy, sitting down, right. I have no idea where this place is, maybe Solomon Island? Well, I don't think so, I'll ask him next time.
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