The MOH Assistant Undersecretary for Labs and Blood Banks Abdullah Al-Dirais confirmed KSA is ready for commemorating the International Day of Blood Donation on Thursday June 19, 2007, together with all other world nations as well as regional and international organizations. The celebrations which are organized under the emblem (Blood Donation .. the Best Generosity) aims at directing attention to obtaining pure and safe blood through blood donation.
He said KSA has paid great attention to the occasion which is related to the lives of millions of patients around the world, especially women in poor and underdeveloped countries. The Deputy Governor of Riyadh HRH Prince Sattam bin Abdul Aziz will patronize the occasion which will be organized at King Abdul Aziz Historical Center. All Directorates of Health Affairs in the different provinces of the Kingdom will participate in the occasion through organizing blood donation campaigns.
According to Al-Dirais strict measures are taken for confirming safety of donated blood. Highly advanced technologies are adopted in blood transfusion works and donors are subjected to the routine procedures and checkups. Donations are made only in hospitals and blood banks separate donated blood into its components for later use.
He said MOH aims through organizing blood donation campaigns at avoiding dependence on imported blood, denoting that works are carried out in this respect in accordance with a strategy adopted since 1987.