Miri Hospital Blood Bank aims 10,000 pints donation in 2024

MIRI: Miri Hospital Blood Bank will continue to set a target of 10,000 pints of blood to be collected this year.

Miri Hospital deputy director (Medicine) Dr Francis Heng said a total of 9,682 pints have been collected in 2023.

He said there are up to 14,000 active donors currently in Miri with 1,812 of them being new donors registered last year.

“So, for the year 2024, we still set the aim to breach 10,000 pints of blood to be donated,” he was quoted saying in an Ukas report during a blood donation campaign organised by the Northern Sarawak Journalists Association (NSJA) held here today (Jan 1).

A total of 105 individuals have registered during the donation drive whereby 85 have successfully donated their blood.

Dr Heng therefore expressed his thanks to all parties involved including non-governmental organisations (NGO), religious bodies, private entities and individuals who have contributed to the success of blood donation campaigns organised throughout the year.

He also urged individuals from all quarters of society to continue leading a healthy lifestyle, especially those intending to donate their blood in the future.

Meanwhile, Dr Heng said blood supplies remain sufficient, although they could face shortages of certain blood types during ad hoc donation campaigns.

“Miri is also one of the locations requested to send out blood supplies to Sabah, and Sabah has the highest number of thalassemia patients.

“So, if you look at any publicity drive mentioning that Miri requires blood donation, it is usually for certain blood types.

“Of course, we encourage the public to donate blood (of any type so that) we can replenish the blood supplies,” he added.

Also present was President of NSJA Chai Chon Chin.