Minister of Health Dr Leslie Ramsammy said there needs to be about 10,000 regular blood donors to ensure the availability of 12,000 units of blood every year to supply both public and private hospitals.
Ramsammy made these comments during a recent blood drive hosted at Marian Academy, which counts as one of the top 10 institutions that attract new and potential donors, particularly youth, who are expected to donate regularly. Saturday’s blood drive at the school brought in 134 units of blood, a press release from the Government Information Agency (GINA) said.
The minister said he hoped that in 2011 the health sector will achieve the required 10,000 units of blood. Last year the Blood Bank’s goal was to obtain 9,000 donors, however about 8,000 units of blood were acquired. “It has been estimated that for 10,000 units to be achieved 12,000 people would have to donate blood, yearly. On a monthly basis 800 units of blood are needed. However January’s total fell short by 100 units,” GINA said.
According to the release, over the last five years the number of donors has increased by 100 per cent. Persons in the 25-45 age group are the main blood donors while it has been observed that donors in the 17 – 25 years old group is increasing the fastest.
Also, persons 65 years and older can now donate blood. First time donors would also need to seek approval from their doctors before making a donation. Administrator at the Blood Bank Shameeza Mangal said the bank focuses on attracting volunteer and unpaid donors.
