By Jaythaleela K
MIRI, Jan 3: Blood donations are even more essential during the Covid-19 pandemic, where people may be less inclined to donate blood.
Fortunately in Miri, the pandemic did not slow down efforts by non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to initiate blood drives to help those in need, asserts Telang Usan assemblyman Dennis Ngau.
Speaking at the Northern Sarawak Journalists Association (NSJA) blood donation campaign yesterday held at Bintang Megamall at Jalan Bintang, he applauded NSJA for its efforts to help the Miri Blood Bank.
“Let me share with you all, some statistics from Miri Hospital on the blood donation programme in Miri,
“In year 2019 and 2020, Miri Hospital consumed 8,682 and 7,375 pints respectively. Total usage was reduced compared to 2019 mostly due to Covid-19. Compared to year 2019, blood collection in 2020 decreased by one per cent (96 pints) to 8,638 pints, compare to 8,734 pints in 2019,” he revealed.
“This is very good compare to other hospital blood banks which lost 20 per cent of blood donation during Covid-19.”
Dennis attributed this figure to Miri’s cooperative, dedicated and wonderful community of blood donors and blood drive organisers.
On another note, he encouraged more young people to come forward as blood donors to help those in need.
“In the year 2020, 61.8 per cent (5,337) donors are male and females comprise 38.2 per cent (3,301). Our donors range from 17-65 age group, with the highest percentage of donors aged 30 to 34-years-old. Hence I call on more young people sign up and become blood donors in future,” he added.
During today’s event, a total of 127 people out of 163 who registered, managed to successfully donate blood.
Also present at the event were Miri Hospital director Dr Jack Wong Siew Yu, Miri Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) Zone 6 chief Supt Law Poh Kiong, Malaysian Red Crescent (MRC) Miri District Blood Donor Recruitment Committee deputy chairman Cr Karambir Singh, NSJA president Andy Jong Wan Joon, Shun Shen Lee Trading Sdn Bhd branch manager Jimmy Yii Jiun Hieng and Bintang Megamall Miri event manager Allen Wong Lung Hing. — DayakDaily
