DOHA: Minister of Public Health HE Dr Hanan Mohammed Al Kuwari inaugurated the new Qatar National Blood Donation Center at Hamad Medical Corporation in the presence of Minister of State for Interior Affairs HE Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Faisal bin Mohammed Al Thani, and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Sheikh Eid Charitable Foundation, Dr Mohammed Eid Al Thani.
During the event, it was revealed that two halls within the new facility will be named after Sheikh Eid bin Mohammad Al Thani.
Dr Al Kuwari said the opening of the Qatar National Blood Donation Center not only enhances the capability of HMC's Blood Donation Program but also ensures a smoother and more comfortable experience for donors.
She said, "Safe blood and blood products as well as their transfusion are a critical aspect of care in our healthcare system. They save lives and improve the health and quality of life for many patients daily.
"The availability of an adequate and safe blood supply is crucial for various medical procedures, including surgeries, trauma care, and the treatment of chronic conditions such as cancer and blood disorders. Each blood donation serves as a powerful lifeline to many patients across our healthcare system."
The Qatar National Blood Donation Center will be the sole source for the provision of blood and blood components for all governmental and private hospitals in Qatar. The new centre will house 38 blood collection beds, an increase of more than triple the number of beds from the previous Blood Donor Center.
The new centre offers Therapeutic Plasma Exchange procedures for patients requiring plasma therapy and provides dedicated spaces for therapeutic phlebotomy, stem cell collection, and platelet apheresis. Its advanced facilities will house nine male and three female medical interview/assessment rooms, 18 male and eight female donation beds, and 12 beds for platelet collection.
Chairperson of HMC's Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Dr Einas Al Kuwari said: "The new Qatar National Blood Donation Center will enable the freezing of rare blood groups and rare phenotypes as well as red cell genotyping in the near future.
"The shelf life of blood is 42 days from the date of collection, so having a regular source of blood donations is vital. One unit of blood donated may benefit at least three patients if used as separate blood components."