MRCS Sibu: Yearly increase of up to 15 pct in number of blood donors achievable

SIBU (Nov 20): The Malaysian Red Crescent Society (MRCS) Sibu branch is optimistic that it can achieve an annual target of up to 15 per cent increase in the number of blood donors.

MRCS Sibu branch blood donation campaign chairman John Jong said this to reporters when met during the blood donation drive at MRCS Sibu headquarters here yesterday, held in conjunction with its 60th anniversary celebration.

“We have targeted an increase of between 10 to 15 per cent in the number of blood donors per year in Sarawak and we believe this is achievable,” he said.

MRCS Sarawak director Chai King Sing, meanwhile, attributed the success of the blood donation campaigns to the collective efforts of its branches, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and donors.

“Blood donation has always been the MRCS Sarawak Chapter’s core activity to assist the hospital blood banks, as well as the responsibility to raise blood donation awareness and recruit donors,” said Chai.

“We need more young blood donors to step forward to help save lives,” he said, adding that there is a critical need for the hospital blood banks to stock up blood supply especially during the holiday season.

“We also have to make it convenient for blood donors to come and donate blood, including providing them ample parking space,” he added.

At this juncture, Sibu Hospital deputy director Dr Rachel Teng, who is also the organising chairperson for MRCS Sibu branch World Blood Donors Day 2023, remarked that MRCS Sibu district headquarters would be the best venue to run such activity as it is located in the town area.

“That is one of the reasons for us to renovate and upgrade this hall (at MRCS Sibu) to provide convenience and comfort to blood donors,” she said.

MRCS Sibu branch chairman Penghulu Chua Hiong Kee was also present at the event.