Muscat – The Ministry of Health (MoH) has issued an urgent appeal for blood and platelet donations following a noticeable decline in reserves at the Central Blood Bank in Bausher.

According to the Department of Blood Banks Services, the drop in stock levels is largely linked to the recent weather conditions, which have limited the ability of donors to reach blood banks over the past few days.

Health authorities stressed the need to replenish supplies to ensure adequate blood and platelet availability for emergency cases and patients who depend on regular transfusions.

In a statement on Tuesday, the ministry called on citizens and residents – particularly those living near the blood bank in Bausher – to come forward and donate blood and platelets as soon as possible.

The MoH emphasised that maintaining adequate platelet supplies is essential to sustaining life-saving treatments, especially for patients undergoing cancer therapy, major surgeries and organ transplants, as well as emergency cases.

Platelet donation is carried out using specialised equipment that separates platelets from other blood components while safely returning the remaining elements to the donor’s body. The procedure is simple and safe, usually taking between 40 and 60 minutes, and donors can give platelets once every 15 days.

Health officials said the Central Blood Bank requires at least 10 platelet donors daily to maintain safe stock levels and meet demand across the country.

Donation services at the blood bank in Bausher are available from Saturday to Thursday between 8am and 7pm, and on Fridays from 8am to 1pm.

Reiterating the urgency of the situation, the ministry said blood and platelet donation remains a vital humanitarian act that directly contributes to saving lives, urging the community to respond swiftly to ensure a stable and sufficient supply.