AMPANG: In conjunction with Merdeka Day and upcoming Malaysia Day celebrations on Sept 16, KPJ Ampang Puteri Specialist Hospital embraced the spirit of 'Malaysia Prihatin' by organising a 'Blood Donation Campaign for Malaysia', in support of the National Blood Bank.
KPJ Ampang Puteri Specialist Hospital chief executive officer Muhammad Badri Hussin, 48, who took the reins of managing the hospital back in February last year, said the hospital has been organising such an initiative for some time to provide a supply of blood for the National Blood Bank.
"In line with the theme of 'Malaysia Prihatin', or Caring Malaysia, we have come together to organise this blood donation campaign because there is a need for blood especially when we are facing and battling the Covid-19 pandemic.
"We usually organise a blood donation campaign once every three months but because of the continuous threat of the pandemic, the last one was in January.
We aim to contribute at least 50 bags of blood from this campaign. Judging from the good turnout, we are confident that we will be able to do so.
"With blood supply at a critically low level, as healthcare professionals we decided to step up in organising this campaign so that our fellow Malaysians who need it the most are able to get it in order to survive, get better, recover and get on with their lives," said Badri, who also donated blood.
Nursing instructor Premalatha Ramadas, 45, who is attached with the hospital's education services unit, turned up to donate blood during her break.
She has been donating blood since 2000 when she was a staff nurse at the KPJ Pahang Specialist Hospital which used to be known as the Kuantan Specialist Center.
"Apart from caring and nursing for the sickly, donating blood is one of many ways that we can help others, especially those who are battling illnesses.
"Today's campaign is a great effort especially during the time the entire country is still battling the pandemic, and such campaigns and blood donation drives must continue. I hope that more and more people will come forward to donate blood, which can be done once every three months," said Premalatha.
Mohamad Ismail Kamaruzaman, 51, who hails from PPR Jelatek and has been working as a security guard at the hospital for the past five years, was one of the many staff who turned up early to donate blood.
"I have been donating blood for many years now and I first started back in 1992. When I found out that the hospital was carrying out this campaign, I knew that I just had to step up and donate some blood for our fellow Malaysians.
"Although I might not be able to contribute or help out in cash or kind, the least I can do is donate blood," said Ismail, a father of three, who shared that his eldest son has also taken after him and donates blood as well.
Another person who has been donating blood on a regular basis is technician Ibrahim Ali, 40, who suggested the use of new technology in order to get more people to donate blood.
"Perhaps an App can be created where people, members of the public can download it on their smartphones and register, where they can donate blood once every three months or when they can do so at the nearest hospital or medical centre.
"This could ensure that the National Blood Bank always has a steady supply of blood."
Approximately 100 doctors and staff turned up at the Dewan Anugerah located in the east wing of the hospital to donate blood today.