KUWAIT: Kuwait’s health ministry has collected 80,000 blood bags since the beginning of the year, Director of the ministry’s Blood Transfusion Services said Monday, of which 15,800 were collected through 248 donation campaigns. Overall, over 190,000 blood products (including platelets and plasma) were produced, and 140,000 blood units were provided to meet clinical needs, particularly for cancer patients, thalassemia patients, and accident victims, said Dr Reem Al-Radwan. Dr Al-Radwan was speaking at 5th Conference on Blood Transfusion Services inaugurated by Minister Dr Ahmad Al-Awadhi. The conference serves as a platform for sharing innovations and policies to improve blood transfusion services and healthcare quality.

Latest technologies

Minister Al-Awadhi commended the efforts in organizing blood donation campaigns, which have fostered a culture of giving and become an integral part of societal awareness. These initiatives have helped build a strategic blood reserve, which is fundamental to the country’s healthcare system.

He also emphasized the importance of adopting the latest global technologies to ensure the safety and quality of blood supplies. These technologies include advanced virus and microorganism detection systems and the implementation of electronic linkage between hospitals and the Blood Transfusion Services to provide swift and accurate responses to emergency needs. This initiative is aimed at enhancing the overall efficiency of the country’s healthcare system.

He added that the blood donation process involves rigorous testing procedures using the latest technologies to ensure community safety and build public trust. Advanced cooling and preservation techniques help extend the shelf life of blood products, ensuring their quality even during long-distance transportation.

International recognition

Dr Al-Radwan noted that the country’s laboratories have implemented the latest global protocols, ensuring that blood transfusions are performed with the highest safety standards. She highlighted the international recognition of the Sheikha Salwa Al-Sabah Stem Cell and Umbilical Cord Centre, which received molecular testing accreditation from the American Association of Blood Banks (AABB), making it the first institution in the Arab world and the second worldwide outside the United States to achieve this prestigious certification.

Furthermore, the Central Blood Bank has received renewed international accreditation from AABB, further demonstrating Kuwait’s commitment to maintaining high standards in blood transfusion services. The two-day conference marks a significant step in advancing blood transfusion practices, contributing to saving lives and improving public health, said Dr Al-Radwan. It includes 14 scientific lectures and workshops by 16 international experts addressing innovative solutions, blood diseases, blood inventory management, and crisis management in blood supply. — KUNA