Malaysia’s blood donation rate remains at 2.3 per cent and needs to be increased to ensure a sufficient and sustainable blood supply for patients in need.
National Blood Centre (PDN) Deputy Director I, Dr. Tun Maizura Mohd. Fathullah, said the current rate is equivalent to only 23 donors per 1,000 people, which is still below the target set by health authorities.
“Blood stock levels at the National Blood Centre are currently sufficient. However, blood donation rates need to improve as demand from patients, particularly those receiving treatment in hospitals, continues to rise every day.
“We hope to further strengthen public awareness so that the donation rate can reach at least three per cent, or 30 donors for every 1,000 people,” she said when met during the UiTM Cares Mega Blood Donation Campaign at Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Shah Alam on Tuesday.
According to Dr. Tun Maizura, awareness among younger generations, especially youths, must continue to be strengthened as Malaysia is expected to become an ageing nation in the future.
“Many existing blood donors will eventually reach the maximum eligible donation age of 70. Therefore, it is crucial that we encourage a new generation of donors to step forward and continue this important contribution.
“Blood components also have limited shelf lives. Red blood cells can only be stored for between 35 and 42 days, while platelets, another vital blood component, can only last for five days,” she said.
