KARACHI: “What’s holding back our people, our communities to save a life? I think as a society we lack the motivation to help others; we talk a lot but practically don’t do much,” says Dr Rahat Hussain, while sharing his concerns with Dawn over the poor response his organisation often faces during campaigns for blood donation.

Dr Hussain is associated with Omair Sana Welfare Foundation that caters to patient’s needs in the areas of blood diseases, medical relief and general relief. He believes that the situation won’t improve unless the state patronises the cause.

“The government has to intervene, create awareness and encourage people to help the cause,” he says, adding that non-governmental organisations were already playing their role in this regard.

“Yes, there are various myths and misconceptions attached to what should have been perceived as national or religious obligation. But, that can be addressed and, if someone is really interested in donation, he or she should make the effort and find the right place for donating their blood.”

To a question about blood donor’s selection and deferral pattern, he said that girls had been found to be more willing to donate their blood during drives at academic institutions.

“Unfortunately, however, girls are often found to be anaemic or maintaining low haemoglobin level. It’s a common problem and the deferral rate is very high, which relates to our dietary imbalance,” he explained.

Ironically, according to experts, the shortage of blood donors gets acute during Ramazan and patients, especially those with blood disorders, experience delays in blood transfusion.

Sharing the plight of such patients, comprising mostly children, Ateeq-ur-Rehman of Afzaal Memorial Thalassaemia Foundation (AMTF), an NGO dedicated to providing free-of-cost treatment to patients with blood disorders, said that it’s painful to see children and their families suffering due to lack of blood donors.

“Please help us in saving lives. Blood transfusion is a lifelong process for thalassemic children and needs to continue uninterrupted. It’s a challenge we face every day,” he observed, while linking last year’s shortage in blood to chikungunya and an increase in the number of patients registered at the facility.

Currently, more than 1,400 patients, largely children, are registered with AMTF.

“Last year, we had to refuse a number of requests for donation because people had a history of having injections over the past three months. As per international guidelines, such persons are not suitable candidates for blood donation,” he explains.

Blood donations from parents and siblings are not accepted, as it can cause complications due to similarity in genetic make-up, according to the experts at the AMTF.

The issue is affecting the whole country as blood needs are climbing due to multiple factors. Patients in need include those awaiting medical procedures at hospitals.

“It’s a desperate need of cancer patients, too. They frequently need blood transfusions as they undergo treatment,” said Dr Nizam-ul-Hasan representing the Child Aid Association operating at the National Institute of Child Health, a public sector health facility.

According to experts, the process of donating blood carries huge benefits for the donor. When blood is withdrawn, the donor’s body immediately begins to replenish the lost blood. New cells are produced by the marrow within 48 hours of donation, and all of the red blood cells the donor loses during donation are completely replaced within one to two months.

“It boosts your immune system, cardiovascular system, mental sharpness as well as reduces risk for many diseases including cancer. Besides, donors can get free regular screening for diseases like HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) and hepatitis,” Dr Hussain says.

Published in Dawn, May 8th, 2018