Medical practitioners here have urged the public to participate in blood donation drives in their communities to help save lives.

In a press briefing on Monday, Maria Lourdes Guerra, a registered medical technologist (RMT) and supervisor of the Blood Production Services (BPS) at Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC), issued the call amid the “extensive awareness campaign” they are conducting about blood donation.

“Blood cannot be manufactured, and this kind of medicine relies solely on the generosity and goodwill of blood donors. Voluntary donors are the backbone of this life-saving effort and are very important,” she said.

Guerra said SPMC alone needs about 100 units of whole blood daily for their patients.

“That is why advocating and promoting voluntary blood donation is important. Blood transfusion can be lifesaving as countless lives are at risk daily due to surgeries, accidents, and other medical conditions,” she said.

Blood shortage remains a pressing issue not only in the country but worldwide, she said, adding that the biggest challenge of every blood service facility is to ensure a safe, adequate and sustainable supply of blood to meet patients’ needs.

Meanwhile, Janson Cajegas, also an RMT and donor recruitment officer of SPMC’s BPS, said blood donation significantly impacts the community.

“Donated blood is used also for emergencies like natural disasters,” he said.

Cajegas further said that while the SPMC blood bank has an adequate supply, there is still a need for more donations due to the diverse patient population served from other Mindanao areas.

“The source of our blood is from Davao Region alone that is why, we are doubling our efforts in advocacy and blood collection to meet the demands of the SPMC patients and other hospitals,” he added. (PNA)