Muscat: The Ministry of Health organized a celebration today marking the World Blood Donor Day, observed annually on 14 June and held this year under the theme 'One Drop of Humanity. Give Blood. Save Lives'. During the ceremony, the Ministry of Health honored blood donors.

According to Oman News Agency, the ceremony was held under the auspices of Dr. Said Harib Al Lamki, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Health for Health Affairs, and was attended by a gathering of donors, officials, and invited guests. Mohsen Saif Al Sharyani, Head of the Donor Affairs Section at the Blood Services Department of the Ministry of Health, delivered a speech highlighting the celebration as an embodiment of humanitarian values and societal solidarity.

The Head of the Donor Affairs Section pointed out the developments in blood bank services in the Sultanate of Oman, noting service expansions and the opening of new facilities like the Seeb Blood Donation Center at Al Araimi Boulevard. The expansion project of the Blood Services Department building in Bowsher is expected to be completed soon.

Al Sharyani emphasized that national campaigns and new strategies have achieved record-setting blood collection, meeting healthcare institutions' needs efficiently. The technical development of blood bank services includes standardizing test results and linking blood banks across Oman into an integrated system, enhancing service quality and reliability.

At the Central Blood Bank in Bowsher, advanced services like malaria and viral hepatitis testing have expanded the donor base. Modern technologies, including automated centrifuge devices using the 'Reveos' system, have been introduced for efficient blood component production with minimal human intervention.

Dr. Said Harib Al Lamki honored 100 male and female donors, including those with rare blood types and platelet donors. The program also recognized 30 government, private, and civil institutions that have supported blood donation campaigns.

The Ministry of Health encourages citizens and residents to donate blood, emphasizing the strong turnout for voluntary donations. Pre-donation screenings ensure donor eligibility, and the donation process, taking about 15 minutes, is safe and beneficial for the donor, promoting blood circulation and enhancing the immune system.