16 June, 2008 - We often hear or see this slogan. Why is it so important to donate blood and that too regularly? Will it not harm one? As laypersons, many such thoughts cross our mind.
Here are the answers to your queries:
Though blood acts like a medicine within our body, it cannot be manufactured. But what does an individual have to do at a blood bank before he or she actually donates blood?
They will have to answer a few questions on medical history, lifestyle and travel; carry out checks on weight, blood pressure and haemoglobin level. This is a “risk assessment exercise” for the safety of both donor and recipient. The blood donated will also be tested for hepatitis B, C, HIV, syphilis and malaria. All information and test results are kept highly confidential. Counselling and donor care form an important part of the process.
All it takes is just 45 to 60 minutes, but it will go a long way towards saving somebody’s life. So don’t make excuses or be under any delusion regarding blood donation. In fact, it will enable detection of low hemoglobin level or diseases in your body.
Donors, who donate at least twice a year, are called “regular donors”. Blood can be donated regularly because the liquid part of blood gets replaced within a couple of days and cells within 21 days after donation.
A total of approximately 7000 units of blood is required for the whole country, out of which 4000 units are utilised by JDWNRH, the apex hospital.
With the demand for blood increasing every day and the limited shelf life of blood being 35 days, it is important that blood donation becomes a regular custom among Bhutanese especially youth.
Today, on June 14, 2008, as we observe “World Blood Donor Day” with the theme “Giving Blood Regularly”, we focus on donor health, donor care and create public awareness on the need for regular donation.
We can save a life. We are the foundation of sustainable blood supply. So come forward, donate blood … save life!
Dr Mahrukh Getshen is the blood bank in-charge at JDWNRH.
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