SINGAPORE: The Singapore Red Cross (SRC) and Health Sciences Authority (HSA) said on Monday (August 8) that Singapore’s blood reserves have fallen after a recent appeal that resulted in more than 10,000 donors moving forward. He said it had improved to a “moderate level”.
Singapore’s health authorities announced in early July that stocks of A+ and O+ blood were running low. Health Minister Ong Ye Kung called for donations, saying these major elective surgeries that require two blood units are at risk of being postponed.
In an update a week later, Ong said that while blood donations in Singapore had increased by 45% after the appeal, more blood was needed because stocks of all blood types were not yet at healthy levels. rice field.
More than 10,000 donors representing all blood types have volunteered since the two appeals, according to a joint SRC and HSA press release. “Of these, about 21% were first-time donors and about 15% were young donors.”
Authorities have to collect about 400 units of blood each day to meet their daily needs.
“Long weekends, school holidays, reduced blood donations during public holidays, and sharp increases in blood usage can reduce blood inventories,” he added.
“Your blood donation has saved so many of us. Amirah Arman, 19, said.
Born with a genetic blood disorder – Beta Thalassemia Major – her body is unable to regenerate red blood cells. She has been receiving blood transfusions every month since she was 7 years old.
Since blood has a short shelf life of 6 weeks for red blood cells and 7 days for platelets, we would like to ask for the continued support of blood donors,” the agency said, adding that it would like to seek the continued support of blood donors. at least twice a year.
“This will ensure that there is always enough blood available for patients in Singapore.”
If you are interested in donating blood, please visit giveblood.sg to verify your eligibility and make an appointment. Residents can also donate by visiting a blood bank or local blood drive.
