'Your blood donation means life to others'

Muscat: June 14 is observed as World Donor Day and in Oman, the Department of Blood Bank Services under the Ministry of Health has been conducting a campaign on the importance of donating blood. Community drives were also organised on the same day.
On this day, blood banks around the world celebrate the heroes of life who give hope with blood. The theme for World Blood Donor Day 2025 is 'Blood connects us all: share a blood donation, save a life.'
'With every bag of blood you donate, you give a new chance to three people eagerly awaiting hope and bring a smile to their families' faces,' stated the campaign from Khoula Hospital. More than 100 million donations are collected annually in 170 countries.
The Sultanate of Oman is one of the leading countries in blood donation campaigns. 'The Sultanate of Oman is a pioneer in efforts to promote a culture of donation and enhance safe stocks,' stated Oman's Blood Bank Services.
Regular donations help save lives, support medical operations and care for mothers and children.
Sami al Zedjali, who has a career in the banking sector; and enjoys biking and travelling, has been donating blood for 20 years. 'It has become such a natural part of my life that I hardly think twice about it. What motivates me? Knowing that a small act on my part can literally save someone's life, even if I never meet them. There's a quiet joy in that,' he said.
When asked what he would like to tell others, he replied, 'It's easier than you think (the needle pinch lasts seconds; the impact lasts a lifetime). Your blood is always needed — someone, somewhere, is praying for it right now. You'll walk out feeling lighter (in your heart, not just your veins!)."
The campaign on Saturday emphasised that in every bag of blood you donate, you give a new chance to three people eagerly awaiting hope and draw a smile on the faces of their families. There are 12,700 donation centres worldwide, but there is always a demand.
Joining in the initiative, the Indian Social Club conducted a blood donation drive at the central blood bank in the Wilayat of Bausher; and the campaign was inaugurated by G V Srinivas, Ambassador of India to the Sultanate of Oman.
Earlier this month, the Central Blood Bank announced that it needed 12 platelet donors to meet the needs of patients and support health institutions. Platelet donation is a new hope for patients who need you.
Some of the conditions that have to be considered before donating blood are the facts that the weight of the donor must not be less than 50 kg, the donor's age must be between 18 and 65 years old; and blood pressure and hemoglobin must be within the normal range.
The blood bank is open for donors from Saturday to Thursday from 8 am to 8 pm; and on Friday from 8 am to 2 pm.

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