Abd Hamid (seated) has his blood pressure checked at the blood donation campaign in Klang.
Free use of council halls to help HTAR meet annual target of 39,600 bags, says mayor
KLANG’S Hospital Tengku Ampuan Rahimah (HTAR) is experiencing a shortage of blood supply as 800 bags are needed every month for emergency and critical treatments.
HTAR Medical Department Blood Transfusion head Dr Afif Alam Faizli said the hospital needed about 3,300 blood bags each month but was only able to collect around 2,500 bags from donors.
“In a month, we collaborate with an estimated 30 private agencies and collect 2,200 to 2,500 bags, but it is below the 3,300 bags needed,” he said, during a blood donation event at Klang Royal City Council’s (MBDK) hall in Bandar Bukit Raja.
Dr Afif said a total of 17,598 blood bags were collected between January and July, which is still insufficient to meet HTAR’s target of 39,600 bags annually.
He said there was frequent shortage of some blood types, such as O negative, due to their universal compatibility in emergency situations.
Blood collected at HTAR is also distributed to other government hospitals in Tanjung Karang, Banting and Shah Alam when needed, he added.
Donors waiting for their health screening before donating blood.
Klang mayor Datuk Abd Hamid Hussain. who launched the event, called on Klang residents to become donors to help close the shortfall.
“I urge Klangites to register as blood donors. Step forward and give blood to help save and improve lives, as new donors are needed daily to help people in emergencies,” he said.
Abd Hamid said MBDK was willing to offer council halls as the venue for blood donation campaigns, free of charge.
The recent campaign was organised by 99 Speed Mart Retail Holdings Bhd in collaboration with HTAR and MBDK, with 44 hospital staff including five doctors attending.
A total of 800 people turned up, but only 614 were eligible to donate, mainly due to health conditions such as seasonal illnesses or fatigue from night shifts, Dr Afif said.
Donors underwent a health screening which included weight, blood pressure and haemoglobin tests to ensure they were fit to donate.
HTAR Clinical Services senior director Dr Pamela Sivapasthasundram said these screenings were essential to safeguard both donors and recipients.
