Blood Donation Camp By Dow University

KARACHI, May 2014: A single unit of donated blood can save up to three lives. Blood collection from voluntary non-remunerated blood donors is the cornerstone of a safe and sufficient blood supply. Regular voluntary blood donors are the safest source of blood, as there are fewer blood borne infections among these donors than among people who donate for family members in emergencies or who give blood for payment. Dow University of Health Sciences has taken the initiative towards provision of safe blood products to the needy patients. Under this initiative, Safe Blood Transfusion Services have been initiated with the strong pillars of voluntary blood donation, training of human resource, developing service delivery in blood banking and transplantation laboratory services with continuous education and training in transfusion and transplantation sciences.

The Voluntary Blood Donation Camp has been organized by Dow University of Health Sciences (DUHS) from 20th to 22nd May, 2014 at Sindh High Court. The Camp was inaugurated by Chief Justice of Sindh High Court, Hon. Justice Maqbool Baqar. Prof. Dr. M. Umar Farooq, Pro-Vice Chancellor DUHS and Registrar DUHS, Prof, Dr. Nadeem A. Sheikh were the guest of honour on the occasion.

Dr. M. Umar Farooq gave his opening remarks and said that blood donation is a divine experience, By donating blood, one gives a second chance of life to someone in need. One unit of blood can save up to three important lives. He further added that the Safe Blood Transfusion Services Programme of Dow University embarks the establishment of a Dow Blood Transfusion and Research Center, with a blood bank and an institute providing teaching, training and quality assured service delivery to the population. Under this umbrella, our blood donation services are extremely active under Donor Management Department of our Center and disseminating the message of Voluntary blood Donation to the population at large. The purpose is:

Creation of a culture of voluntary blood donation through communication and education

• Build a stable blood donor pool by motivating and recruiting new donors from low-risk populations, and encouraging existing or lapsed donors to become regular donors and to recognize the contribution to society made by blood donors
• Provide quality donor care, and 100% WHO recommended safe and efficacious blood products to all the needy patients
• And create a sustainable foundation of technologically advanced non-profit blood banking in Pakistan

He also thanked the DUHS technical Team, honorable Chief Guest, Justice Maqbool Baqar for his time and appreciation and other respected members of Sindh High Court, particularly the medical committee and its representative, Advocate Yousuf Iqbal for his ongoing efforts with Dow University of Health Sciences in this noble cause.