SIBU, Apr 18: Some 40 students of University College of Technology Sarawak (UCTS) unable to return home due to the movement control order donated their blood for a good cause instead.
Since the MCO was enforced on March 18, these outstation students have been staying put at the on-campus hostel during their semester break, as they have been unable to travel home.
Joining the 40 in donating their blood to the Blood Bank of Sibu Hospital today were 10 staff from the university.
President of UCTS Student Council, Clerie Olivia said their blood donation campaign is usually held at the end of the year.
“This time because the Blood Bank has difficulty in finding donors due to the MCO, we have decided to push it forward to today. Our target was to get 35 donors but now we have exceeded it,” she said.
Clerie was glad that the students and staff had responded positively to the campaign during this difficult time.
A Foundation in Science student, Dennis Phiong, 19, from Kuching said he did not have a second thought when asked to give his blood.
“I am very happy to be able to donate my blood to the hospital blood bank as I know it is for a good cause,” he remarked.
A doctor from Sibu Hospital, Dr Lim Chuan Lian who was in-charge of this donation campaign, noted that it was difficult to collect blood as people, including regular donors, are worried about contracting Covid-19 and unaware that they can donate blood during MCO.
“Those who are going out to donate their blood can just show their blood donation booklet to the police during a roadblock. The Health Ministry has allowed blood donation activity to go on during the MCO,” he said.
Dr Lim stressed that they screen every donor before collecting their blood to ensure that the blood is safe for use.
“We are now encouraging people to give their blood as we need to maintain a constant supply for use by the hospital in view of the forthcoming Hari Raya and Gawai celebrations,” he said.
He said that Sibu Hospital on average needs 10 to 20 pints of blood a day for use by its patients. —DayakDaily
