The Kedah Health Department requires at least 1,800 pints of blood as stockpile before Ramadan.
Its director Datuk Dr Norhizan Ismail said the supply was necessary to cater to emergency cases such as accidents, which usually peaked towards the middle and end of the fasting month when hordes of people make the journey to their respective villages for Aidilfitri or for the holidays.
"This is a challenge for blood transfusion units across the country because based on past experience, our stockpiles can reach critical level due to increased demand coupled with the reduced number of blood donors as most people would be fasting," he told Bernama when contacted here today.
In this regard, the department is stepping up efforts to get the required amount through various programmes such as the mobile blood donation drive where teams from the Sultanah Bahiyah Hospital (HSB) transfusion department would set up ''booths'' at selected premises.
In addition, a mobile blood donation unit would also be opened at mosques and shopping centres at night to enable the public to donate blood conveniently.
"In addition, the Northern Region Blood Centre (PDWU) which caters for the hospitals in Kedah and Perlis are intensifying its blood donation campaigns statewide.
"For example, the centre managed to collect 180 pints from the public of different race and age at the ''Karnival Penyayang Yayasan Sultanah Bahiyah" on May 19 and May 20," he said.
Meanwhile, Dr Norhizan said the blood banks at HSB, Sultan Abdul Halim Hospital (HSAH) and Tunku Fauziah Hospital in Kangar would stay open at night on certain days throughout Ramadan.
He said Muslim blood donors may also donate blood before 12noon provided they had taken sahur (pre-dawn meal), or after breaking fast.
The public can obtain further information through Facebook ''Derma Darah Kedah/Perlis'' or contact 04-7746051(PDWU), HSAH (04-4457371) or Kulim Hospital (04-4272733 extn 3123).
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Tue May 23 2017
He said Muslim blood donors may also donate blood before 12noon provided they had taken sahur or after breaking fast.
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.