Blood donation awareness still weak: Dr Hilmi

BALIK PULAU: Blood donation awareness is still weak, with only 660,000 people or just 2.2% of the entire Malaysian population donating blood last year.
According to Health Deputy Minister Datuk Seri Dr Hilmi Yahaya, about 2,000 pints of blood is needed daily to treat 1,000 patients and a shortage of blood is expected to occur if there is no awareness to donate blood.
"Compared to other advanced countries, ours is still low. Normally, in advanced countries, 3.5% of the population donate blood, while ours is only 2.2%. Thus, we urge more people to donate blood for their good.
"As the blood cells will die in 120 days, then it is better for it to be shared with others," he told a press conference after launching a donation drive at the Balik Pulau Vocational College here today.
He said the ministry would also intensify campaigns and activities to boost awareness on the importance of donating blood while urging more people to donate blood soon as supplies would normally decrease, especially during Ramadan.
Meanwhile, Hilmi said the ministry would carry out a nationwide tour in lieu of the National Transformation 2050 (TN50) Dialogue to engage the views and ideas of youth on health issues.
For starters, he said the dialogue would be conducted at the Balik Pulau Polytechnic on May 20, beginning 9am. — Bernama