RIYADH: Indian expatriates as well as Saudis turned up to donate blood for the sick during a camp in Jeddah on Friday.

The campaign, which was sponsored by the Tamil Nadu Thowheed Jamaath (TNTJ), Jeddah Region, was held in the East Jeddah General Hospital (EJGH) .

About 25 units of blood were collected from 60 donors, who pledged to continue their contribution on a regular basis in the future.

The blood donation camp was conducted under the direct supervision of Ali Hamad, the coordinator of EJGH Blood Bank, and Safar Al-Malki, in charge for blood bank in Jeddah.

Naina Mohammed, the organization’s vice president, said that Friday’s was the 11th such blood drive of this nature for TNTJ. “The noble act of donating blood not only gives a new lease of life to many, but also increases our sense for social responsibility. We donate blood for emergency cases also,” he added.

Salahudeen, spokesperson of the campaign for TNTJ, said, “We are guided by Qur’anic teachings, which say: “… And whoever saves a life, it is as though he has saved the life of all mankind.”

A standard health screening procedure was done before the blood donation. Each donor underwent tests for blood pressure, sugar and hemoglobin count. Tests were also conducted for communicable diseases.

The TNTJ regularly organizes educational, charity, humanitarian, and social services. “These events help in improving harmony and also create awareness about Islam,” he added.

According to a royal decree issued in 1405 A.H., the Ministry of Health does not import blood from foreign countries; rather, blood is collected from residents and citizens who make a voluntary donation regularly. The 20 health directorates in the Kingdom are permitted make their own arrangements with voluntary blood donors to contribute to this worthy cause.

An official from the health ministry said there are 152 blood banks throughout the Kingdom, which include 15 central blood banks, 17 large blood banks and 120 others to cover all the regions and governorates in the Kingdom.