Cosway teams up with ADCAS to hold blood donation campaign

KUALA LUMPUR: In an effort to overcome the shortage of blood supply at hospitals nationwide, Cosway (M) Sdn Bhd teamed up with ADCAS Lifescience Sdn Bhd to organise a blood donation campaign called "Give Blood, Save Lives".
At the event which was held on Saturday, a total of 122 pints of blood were collected.
Founder of ADCAS and executive director of Cosway Dr Alice Lee said it has been a core interest for her to kickstart this campaign because of the lack of awareness and lack of donors in the country.
"Although a majority of Malaysians are deemed as eligible blood donors, only an estimated 2.2% to 2.5% of the population is willing to donate blood as opposed to 5% in other developed countries," she said at the launch of the campaign at Publika Shopping Gallery here.
She also revealed that the demand for blood supply in Malaysian hospitals is far exceeding its supply.
"According to statistics released by the National Blood Centre (PDN) approximately 3,000 to 3,500 units of blood are distributed weekly to hospitals for regular usage on patients with ongoing conditions. Not forgetting the emergency supplies needed for specific cases and unforeseen accidents," she said.
She added that there is a need for awareness among Malaysians on blood donation particularly among the youth.
The launch of the campaign was graced by the Sultanah of Pahang, Sultanah Hajjah Kalsom, and Berjaya Corporation founder Tan Sri Vincent Tan.
Also present was PDN director Dr Noryati Abu Amin.
Apart from the blood donation, there were also a number of health talks carried out throughout the day by leading health professionals.
There was also a lucky draw for the participants.