Muscat – Blood banks encounter a shortfall every year during Ramadan and the Ministry of Health (MoH) has renewed a call for people to donate blood.

A statement issued by Department of Blood Banks Services (DBBS) said, ‘We would like to draw attention to the fact that many patients require blood on a daily basis. The Blood Bank in Bausher will require more than 2,700 blood donors and 260 platelet donors during Ramadan.’

MoH, represented by DBBS, has adopted some measures to overcome the anticipated shortfall and meet the daily demand of blood units and components.

The drop in blood stocks during Ramadan occurs every year when people are fasting. However, blood donation can be done in the evening.

“Donors can come to DBBS Bausher between 7.30pm and 11.30pm,” a blood bank official told Muscat Daily.

DBBS is also encouraging non-fasting blood donors to donate – during the day. “Those not fasting can come during the day between 8am and 12.30pm,” the official added.