Media Release
Abu Dhabi, Feb 23: Indian Cultural Society, Karnataka Chapter,here in co-ordination with Sheikh Khalifa Medical City Blood Bank (SKMC), here organized a blood donation camp on February 18.
The Blood Bank (SKMC) officials contacted Indian Cultural Society office bearers and requested to arrange blood units to meet their urgent requirement. The Indian Cultural Society had conducted many such campaigns and enjoyed a cordial relationship with SKMC who responded positively and in quick session and arranged more than 50 units of blood through his members and well-wishers.
A symposium highlighting the importance of donating blood was addressed by Dr Ahmed Imam from Abu Dhabi Blood Bank, who gave brief inputs of the benefits and features of blood donation and urged the participants to spread greater awareness about the importance of blood donation.
He said, "The UAE’s hospitals, clinics and medical centres require blood and blood components daily, with each one supplied by the Blood Banks in UAE, but we want giving blood to be a habit," he explained. "We are in the era now where we do not have or expect to have a blood shortage. We are now looking at topping up our stock for supplying blood in an emergency."
Donating one unit of blood (450ml) can help save up to five lives. Dr Al Shaer explained that bleeding is the cause of many complications. "When mums are in labour, for example, there may be excessive bleeding. We call this a massive transfusion, which can need up to ten units of blood. That is a huge amount and the same blood group is also required." Each donor gives just one unit at a time, and supply is pushed even more when rare blood types such as O negative are requested.
Dr Misbah, MBBS (managing director, Ethihad Medical Centre Abu Dhabi, stressed the importance of charity and stated that blood donation is one of the best examples of charity and that he himself has donated his blood. The well wishers and participants appreciated the effort of the Indian Cultural Society for organizing this camp and gathering the youth to be part of this noble cause.
Majeed Aladka, the president of Indian Cultural Society, Karnataka Chapter, Abu Dhabi welcomed the gathering and briefed the participants about the work of Indian Cultural Society. He also expressed his gratitude, and heartfelt appreciation for UAE Government, for providing a safe and healthy environment to live. The event co-ordinator Ansar Kumbra compered the event while Rasheed Bejai proposed the vote of thanks. The campaign began at 5.30 pm and closed at 10.30 pm. A stream of donors lined up to donate blood until the end.
Giving blood is an easy process, and the healthcare professionals will have the donor in and out in under an hour. "Blood donation is a normal procedure which should happen all the time. We have to accommodate it in our lifestyle just like drinking water and exercising."
The ongoing initiative is to generate awareness amongst the community and to help prevent blood shortage in the country.
The event was coordinated by the staff of Sheikh Khalifa Medical City Blood Bank.
To donate blood Abu Dhabi Blood Bank Blood Donation Centre may be contacted for an appointment on
02 6656508, between Sunday and Thursday from 7.00 am - 8.30 pm and Saturday from 8.00 am - 1.00 pm.