Blood donation

Pakistan is the fifth largest young country in the world. According to an estimate, nearly 63 percent of our population comprises people aged between 15 and 33. Our young people can play an important role in promoting public health by committing to donate blood regularly. World Blood Donor Day is celebrated on June 14 each year by the World Health Organization (WHO) to create awareness about the critical need for a regular and safe blood supply in the functioning of healthcare systems. Blood transfusions are required in many diseases including hereditary blood disorders, kidney and liver diseases, and cancer. Tertiary care hospitals that offer specialised treatment for specific diseases are often located in major cities, which means that patients have to often travel away from friends and families to seek treatment. In such a situation, healthy volunteer donors are their only source of hope and survival.

A person’s contribution of one bag of blood can save more than three lives. On this World Blood Donor Day, anyone between the ages of 18 and 65 can go to the nearest hospital where patients require blood transfusions and help save lives. Hesitancy in donating blood due to safety reasons is understandable. However, instead of outrightly rejecting the idea of donating blood, we can choose hospitals that have strict safety protocols in place.

Mariam Khan

Lahore