King Fahd Hospital in Al-Khobar launches a blood donation campaign using modern technologies
In a move reflecting a commitment to promoting public health and supporting the healthcare system in the Kingdom, Dr. Abdullah bin Abdul Salam Yousef, Executive Director of King Fahd University Hospital in Al-Khobar, launched a large-scale blood donation campaign. This initiative aims to raise community awareness of the importance of this noble humanitarian act and to strive towards securing a sustainable strategic reserve of blood units and their derivatives, which directly contributes to saving the lives of patients and those injured in critical conditions.
The importance of blood donation in the healthcare system
Blood donation is a cornerstone of global and local healthcare systems, as there is currently no artificial substitute for human blood. Such campaigns are of paramount importance given the constant need for blood in operating rooms, intensive care units, and for treating traffic accident victims, as well as for patients with hereditary blood disorders and cancers who require regular transfusions. These efforts align with the Kingdom's health transformation goals and Vision 2030, which encourage volunteerism, promote preventative healthcare, and achieve self-sufficiency in various blood types.
Interactive features and advanced technologies
The campaign featured a comprehensive awareness exhibition with interactive displays showcasing the latest technologies used in global blood banks. Specialists provided visitors with detailed explanations of blood components and types, emphasizing the mechanisms of transfusion medicine that ensure the highest standards of safety and security for both donors and recipients. Key highlights of the campaign included:
- The “Stay where you are, we’ll come to you” corner: A unique initiative aimed at reaching donors at their workplaces through equipped external campaigns, to facilitate the donation process.
- The “platelet” technique: Highlighting the technique of separating blood components, removing only platelets, and returning the remaining components to the donor. This is a vital technique for cancer patients and bone marrow transplants.
In response to the ongoing need and to ensure safe blood supply
For her part, Dr. Awatif Al-Nafie, Director of the Hospital's Blood Bank, explained that this campaign comes in response to the ongoing need to provide safe blood that has been tested to the highest laboratory standards. She emphasized that every donation is a lifeline and supports patients in operating rooms and emergency rooms. She noted that the exhibition was designed to present simplified scientific information, allaying common public concerns and encouraging people to donate.
The events concluded with an open invitation to all members of the community to actively participate, stressing that blood donation is not just a medical procedure, but a humanitarian and national duty that reflects the solidarity of the community and contributes to the sustainability of high-quality health services.
