Dubai Municipality organizes 13th blood donation drive

Fahima Ali Sabir, Head of Public Relations and Protocols Unit at the Municipality, said the drive, the first in the current year and 13th since 1996, was aimed at assisting efforts of the country's blood banks to provide blood in emergency and for saving lives.

"Ever since we organized our first blood donation drive for two days in 1996 we have been receiving huge response from our employees. A three-day blood donation camp was organized in 1999 and from 2000 to 2004 we organized a camp each year. However, due to unprecedented response from employees we organized three blood donation camps last year," she said.

Sabir said email circulars were sent to all employees in different departments to encourage them to participate in the blood donation drive.

She said a list of donors with their blood group was being compiled during the blood donation drive to enhance the efficiency of the blood banks for emergency purposes.

Tests for blood pressure, haemoglobin as well as weight and pulse were also conducted during the drive, said Sabir.

She noted that the blood donation drive was also aimed at helping the Thalassaemia affected children, who need regular blood transfusion every three to four weeks.

A special team of doctors and para-medical staff with necessary equipment were available at the reception area of the City Hall at the Municipality for the drive.