ABU DHABI 26 February 2021: Abu Dhabi Health Services Company, (Seha), the UAE’s largest healthcare network, is emphasising the role of blood donation in saving the lives of patients – even after receiving Covid-19 vaccines.
Vaccinated people may donate blood within 14 days of the first or second dose. Each donor contributes to saving the lives of at least three people.
Dr. Marwan Al Kaabi, Acting Group Chief Operations Officer, Seha, said, “It is vital for all members of our community to regularly donate blood. Blood is our lifeline, and our blood banks need a consistent supply of blood to protect the interests of the entire community, especially our brothers and sisters who require life-saving transfusions. There are currently no substitutes for blood therapy, and all members of the society must consider the possibility and day where they, a friend, or family member would require a blood transfusion too.”
Some patients such as those diagnosed with Thalassemia, or Sickle Cell Anemia require blood therapy every three weeks. Blood transfusions are also essential in saving the lives of those involved in accidents or incidents which cause major blood loss, said Wam.
“We have ensured that the blood donation process is safe and efficient, in line with global best practice for donors. During Covid-19, we introduced additional, robust, safety and precautionary measures at the blood banks. The process is not only completely safe for donors, but there is also no risk of transmission of the Covid-19 virus during donation. We urge all members of the community to donate blood, including those who have received the Covid-19 vaccine. Everyone must commit to donating as this is a public health matter,” Dr. Al Kaabi continued.
Abu Dhabi Blood Bank Services aims to ensure that there is a sufficient supply of blood inventory at the blood banks, to support the needs of 50 public and private hospitals in the Emirate. Both the Abu Dhabi and Al Ain banks welcome donors Saturdays to Thursdays, with the Abu Dhabi branch being open from 7:00 am to 10:00 pm, whilst the Al Ain branch is open from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm.
Abu Dhabi to test thousands of imported PCR samples daily
Laboratories in Abu Dhabi are to begin processing 5,000 -10,000 imported PCR samples a day, as part of the Emirate’s contribution to global efforts to combat Covid-19.
The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi said on Thursday that the results of those tests will be provided within 24 hours of being received from multiple countries.
The Health Department added that the Emirate has allocated “world-class laboratories” to test the samples with the support of Etihad Airways, provider of diagnostic testing Unilabs, and the logistics company Agility.
Since the beginning of the pandemic, the UAE has conducted more than 29 million Covid-19 tests, on more than 9.5 million people in the UAE, placing the country among the nations with the highest rates of Covid-19 screening in the world.
3,025 new Covid-19 cases, 4,678 recoveries, 18 deaths
The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) conducted 195,866 additional Covid-19 tests, and announced 3,025 new coronavirus cases, bringing the total number of recorded cases in the UAE to 381,662.
MoHAP also announced 18 deaths due to Covid-19 complications, bringing the total number of deaths in the country to 1,182.
The ministry expressed its sincere condolences to the family of the deceased and wished Covid-19 patients a speedy and full recovery. It called on all members of the society to cooperate with health authorities, adhere to the instructions and physical distance to ensure the health and safety of all.
MoHAP also noted that an additional 4,678 individuals had fully recovered from Covid-19, bringing the total number of recoveries to 375,059.
The total number of doses provided stands at 5,846,036 with a rate of vaccine distribution of 59.11 doses per 100 people.
