Blood drive to run until the 28th of this month

The Fiji National Blood Service is conducting a series of blood drives throughout various locations in Suva, which commenced last Saturday and will run until the 28th of this month.

Fiji Blood Bank Coordinator Alumeci Naulivou explained the objective of these drives is to collect blood to support the Paediatrics Cardiac Suva program.

She says each day, medical facilities across the country require approximately 50 pints of blood to treat patients with various medical conditions such as anaemia or bleeding in pregnant mothers, accidents, cancer, diabetes complications, and surgical procedures.

Naulivou says blood is composed of different components, including red blood cells, plasma, and platelets, which can be separated in the laboratory under sterile conditions.

She adds each element can then be used to treat a patient with a different condition, thereby making a single blood donation capable of saving the lives of up to three individuals.

Individuals who are healthy, between 16 and 65 years of age, weigh over 50kg, and meet other requirements are eligible to donate blood safely.

Donating blood is a simple and accessible process, and if you want to donate blood, you can visit their Blood Centers located at the CWM, Lautoka, and Labasa Hospitals at any time.

The Blood Centers at the CWM and Lautoka Hospitals are open on weekdays until 9pm and on weekends.