Blood donation is a humanitarian act that does not only save lives but can also strengthen human relationships. A blood donor can save up to three human lives each time he donates blood.

However, the phenomenon of donating blood is low in the Kingdom compared to other countries, according to studies conducted by universities and the Ministry of Health which also holds awareness campaigns on blood donation from time to time.

Blood donation in the Western region of the Kingdom carries a lot of significance owing to the high number of road fatalities and for cancer patients who are desperately seeking blood transfusions.

Jeddah’s King Khalid National Guard hospital has launched a unique drive for the awareness of blood donation and instant collection of blood at public places in Jeddah city which is proving to be a success. “We have a large truck that has been converted into a medical-cum-blood donation center. The truck can be parked in public places such as entrances leading to shopping malls in the city,” Capt. Saad Abdullah Zahrani of King Khalid National Guard Hospital, said.

He said that his team is receiving an overwhelming response from the Saudi public. “We used to be happy if we could get a maximum of 10 blood donors a day whereas now we are receiving more than 30 donors in a single day,” he added.

He said that the National Guard hospital is intending to use the blood for road accident and cancer patients. “The constant supply of this life-giving fluid is vital to this category of patients,” Zahrani said.