A nurse taking blood from Hasmi (centre) while Lim (right) recuperates after donating at the Penang Hospital blood bank. — ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star
NEARLY one in three Malaysian adults lives with hypertension, with half of them unaware they have the condition, according to the 2019 National Health and Morbidity Survey.
The findings raise concerns particularly for potential blood donors, as individuals with high blood pressure must undergo a medical assessment to determine their eligibility.
K. Gunaraj, 50, who wanted to donate blood several years ago, could not do so after he was diagnosed with high blood pressure.
“It was about six years ago. I thought I was healthy but when I was at a blood donation drive, the medical personnel told me I wasn’t a good candidate because my blood pressure was not stable.”
Gunaraj, who works at a security firm, said he felt frustrated initially but accepted the evaluation and went to see a doctor.
Penang Hospital procurement head Dr Anizah Arshad said individuals with high blood pressure might still donate, depending on their medical history and current condition.
She said all prospective donors with any medical conditions would have to undergo a screening before donation.
“A brief physical check-up and a review of their medical history will determine if they’re fit to donate.
“Even if someone is unsuitable to donate, he or she can contribute by encouraging others to donate or helping to organise donation drives.”
Dr Anizah said Penang Hospital’s blood stock was under pressure and required immediate replenishment.
She said while the situation was not critical yet, this was largely due to increased demand from hospital wards, particularly for patients experiencing severe bleeding, undergoing major surgeries, or facing post-operative complications.
The transfusion medicine specialist said there had been a spike in demand for blood type B RhD positive.
She said while blood type O was regarded as the universal donor, certain medical conditions necessitated an exact match to the patient’s blood type.
She said the blood bank in Penang Hospital not only served its patients but it also supplied blood and blood products to district hospitals throughout the state, as well as several nearby private healthcare facilities.
“We’re actively monitoring our stock levels and prioritising distribution to ensure all patients in urgent need are supported.
“However, community support at this stage is vital,” she said.
Dr Anizah said although specific figures varied daily due to donations and clinical usage, she said blood stock levels remained below the usual safety buffer.
“We strongly urge eligible donors to come forward because every drop counts.
“Blood donation drives are happening almost every day throughout Penang and details can be found on our official Facebook page ‘DermaDarah Penang’.”
She said currently all blood types, A, B, O, and AB were in demand and a well-stocked, diverse blood supply was essential to ensure readiness for emergencies, elective surgeries and chronic treatments such as those for thalassaemia and cancer.
Delivery man Lim Eng Chan, 58, said, “I think this is the most noble way to help others. If you can’t help financially or physically, this is the least that you can do.”
The single father said he had been donating blood for over 20 years.
Another regular donor Hasmi Saad Hashim, 44, said he had responded to the Facebook post urging the public to donate blood.
The businessman from Balik Pulau said he has been donating blood since he was in his 20s and encouraged others to come forward.
