ISLAMABAD: Safe and effective blood transfusion is a vital component in improving healthcare delivery and preventing the spread of blood-borne diseases worldwide.

However, in developing countries like Pakistan, there is a great challenge of availing safe and adequate blood, along with a very low rate of voluntary blood donation.

According to a statement, Regional Blood Centre (RBC) Islamabad said that under the Safe Blood Transfusion Services Programme (SBTP) it was resolute to motivate the public, especially the younger population, to become a regular blood donor and raise public awareness about the easily preventable genetic disorders of thalaessemia which overburden the national blood supply.

“The RBC Islamabad is serving as a blood collection and distribution centre, ensuring quality systems to regulate all activities. Essentially, the role of the RBC is mobilisation of voluntary non-remunerated blood donors, collection of blood donations, its processing, component preparation and storage, distribution to attached hospital blood banks, haemovigilance, and research and development. “

When contacted, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Health Services Sajid Shah said that RBC Islamabad had been organising blood donation camps at universities and students were briefed about the need and benefits of donating blood, and were encouraged to be an advocate for donating blood as an act of charity.

“The passionate response from students is a testimony of the charitable and altruistic nature of our people,” he said.

Published in Dawn, July 3rd, 2022