KUALA LUMPUR – The Health Ministry is looking into a proposal for individuals who have donated blood more than 50 times to be given priority in the second phase of the National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Adham Baba said the ministry will raise the matter with the Covid-19 Vaccine Supply Access Guarantee Special Committee.
“It is actually a good proposal and an incentive for blood donors in the country,” he told a press conference after visiting the National Blood Centre (NBC) here today.
He said 652,671 bags of blood were collected nationwide last year, a drop of 12.3% from 2019.
The decline is due to the coronavirus pandemic, he said.
Nevertheless, he gave an assurance that blood supply nationwide is sufficient.
Dr Adham said the ministry is studying the need to commercialise the blood bank management system developed by NBC.
The system covers data on donors and blood stock, among others, he said.
He added that NBC will operate into the night during Ramadan, so as to allow Muslims to donate blood after breaking their fast.
Organisers of blood donation campaigns can continue to hold such drives during the fasting month, as blood stock is expected to decline in this period, he added. – Bernama, April 9, 2021
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