| Achong Tanjong |
A TOTAL of 16,104 separate blood donations were registered in Brunei Darussalam in 2017, with 2,973 newly registered blood donors contributing to the pool.
These statistics were revealed yesterday by Deputy Permanent Secretary (Professional) at the Ministry of Health (MoH) Dr Haji Zulaidi bin Haji Abdul Latif, during the launching ceremony of Blood Donation Campaign 2018 at the ministry’s Al ‘Afiah Hall.
The campaign, held in conjunction with His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam’s 72nd birthday celebrations and World Blood Donor Day, was organised by PTD Technology Sdn Bhd and facilitated by the Blood Donation Centre, at the MoH.
“This is a good sign of blood donation awareness in the country. It is hoped that these individuals will continue with their goodwill and become regular blood donors,” the permanent secretary said.
He added that the record figures meant that Brunei has achieved the goals recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) – an annual receipt of blood donations from one to three per cent of the total population to meet emergency situations.
“For Brunei Darussalam’s case, in 2017 this figure was 2.6 per cent, which is consistent with tallies since 2014,” noted Dr Haji Zulaidi.
He said that the MoH through the Blood Donation Centre, will continue to cooperate with the public and private sector to conduct blood donation drives.
“The involvement of the private sector is very much welcome and this is appropriate with our approach that health is everyone’s business. Efforts will continue to be made to ensure that the country’s blood stocks are sufficient. The donated blood will be tested to international standards to ensure their safety before being administered to patients,” Dr Haji Zulaidi said.
“We encourage the public to donate blood as there are documented health benefits in doing so. The would-be donors will also undergo a free medical examination prior to giving blood.”
Blood drives, held regularly throughout the country to ensure healthy supplies of blood and blood products within the nation’s hospitals, largely receive warm response and support from the public.
According to PTD Technology’s Managing Director and event organising chairman Haziq bin Rasiman, the blood donation drive is part of the company’s annual health, safety and environment activities, and held as part of the company’s commitment to meet the blood needs of the Blood Donation Centre.
Other bodies providing support for the event included the Department of Electrical Services, Baker Hughes, Aewon–Sherwood Protective Apparel (B) Sdn Bhd, and Syarikat Alam Makmur Sdn Bhd.
Among those present were directors, executive officers and officers from the MoH and Ministry of Energy and Industry, and invited guests from the private sector and blood donors.