Muscat – Blood donation in Oman has increased 13% this year, highlighting the growing awareness of its importance. The upward trend continues from last year, which saw a 21% year-on-year rise in donations. This positive news was announced during the commemoration of World Blood Donor Day on Wednesday.

Dr Zainab al Arimi, Director of Blood Bank Services, lauded the ‘invaluable role’ played by blood donors and the collaborative efforts of various authorities. She attributed the rise in blood donations to the community’s heightened awareness of its significance, amplified by the media’s dissemination of this humanitarian message.

Statistics from the Blood Donation Services Department reveal that the majority (97%) of the collected blood was through voluntary contributions, with 77% of donors being Omani nationals. Additionally, 49% of the donors were first-time contributors. In 2022, the blood bank amassed 39,712 units of blood and 2,381 units of blood components.

During the last year, Dr Zainab informed, 364 blood donation campaigns contributed up to 43% of the total donations, while the remaining 57% came from donations at the Central Blood Bank building in Bausher. 

This year, the total number of blood donors reached 18,118, including 9,639 donors at the blood bank and 8,479 donors participating in donation campaigns. The number of donation campaigns reached 161.

The Ministry of Health strongly encourages community members to contribute to the provision of safe blood units for healthcare institutions. 

The ministry also urges donors to continue their commitment throughout the year to meet the growing need resulting from the expansion of health services in Oman. 

The ministry’s call serves as a reminder of the ongoing importance of blood donation in sustaining and supporting healthcare services across the nation.