Rustaq – The Blood Bank at Rustaq Hospital in South Batinah has recorded an increase in blood donations in the first half of 2025 compared with the same period last year.

From January to June this year, 2,201 people donated blood, up from 2,025 in 2024, an increase of 176 donors. Of these, 2,021 were male and 180 female. Omanis accounted for 1,974 donors, while 227 were non-Omanis.

Last year, 1,850 Omanis and 169 non-Omanis donated.

The rise was supported by ten blood donation campaigns conducted across South Batinah in the first half of 2025, compared with eight in the same period last year.

The blood bank also reported 239 deferrals due to health or social reasons, up from 178 in 2024.

Dr Balqis bint Hamad al Naamani, a physician at the blood bank, said O+ (O positive) was the most donated blood type, followed by A+. “Transfusions are vital for patients with genetic disorders, injuries, severe bleeding, organ transplants or cancer treatment,” she said.

She emphasised that donations from healthy individuals remain the only way to maintain a safe blood supply, noting that the bank is encouraging young people aged 18–24 to donate every 90 days.

The facility is open daily from 7am to 8pm.