Large numbers of expatriates including many Sri Lankans in the Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia, came together to donate a total of 81 units of blood to the Dammam Central Hospital on Friday. The expatriates also came from India, Pakistan, Sudan and Egypt, Arab News reported.

The event was organized by the South Indian Organization called 'Tamil Nadu Thowheed Jamaath' (TNTJ) in cooperation with the Dammam Central Hospital.

TNTJ head in Dammam, Umar Farooq, told Arab News that so far the organization has conducted 41 blood donation campaigns across Alkhobar, Dammam, Qatif and Jubail hospitals. The TNTJ, he said, continues to be the No. 1 organization in conducting such blood donation campaigns — a reputation that it has maintained for at least nine years.

“In recognition of our services, hospital authorities have awarded more than 15 commendations to TNTJ for its services,” he said.

In terms of the blood donation process itself, a standard health screening procedure was carried out prior to the extraction of blood during the campaign. Each donor underwent tests for high or low blood pressure, glucose and hemoglobin count prior to the donation to ensure that each donor was healthy. The checks also included scanning for communicable diseases.

The Saudi Ministry of Health does not import blood. Rather, all needed blood is collected from residents and citizens of the Kingdom who make voluntary donations.
(With inputs from Arab News)