Noble Act: Blood donation to support emergency care

The National Blood Center (Myanmar) distributes approximately 100 to 200 units of blood daily to 14 hospitals in Yangon.

The center collects blood donations from Yangon and nearby areas and supplies blood and blood products to patients in need, aiming to ensure a steady blood supply for medical treatment and emergencies.

Deputy Director General, National Blood Center, Yangon, Prof. Dr. Swe Zin Myint said "The primary responsibility of National Blood Center is to collect blood donations from Yangon and surrounding areas and supply blood and blood products to patients in need. Most donors are voluntary and not linked to specific patients, they donate in advance to ensure a stable supply for emergencies and medical treatment."

Donated blood is systematically classified and stored under controlled conditions before being used within its designated storage period.

Patients can request for donated blood by presenting a doctor's recommendation and relevant documentation.

Director, National Blood Center (Myanmar), Dr. Nwe Nwe Oo said "Donating blood is a noble act. At the blood center, we separate each unit of donated blood into components such as plasma, red blood cells and platelets to support patients according to their medical needs. As a single unit of blood can help up to three patients, blood donation is highly beneficial."

Blood donation plays a vital role in supporting emergency care, surgeries and other life-saving treatments, as a single unit of blood can save up to three lives.

More voluntary blood donors are needed to maintain sufficient blood supplies for patients in need, and the center is encouraging the donors to help sustain life-saving services throughout the year. Eligible donors must be healthy, at least 18 years old, weigh a minimum of 110 pounds and be free from blood-borne infectious diseases.

People wishing to donate can register through the National Blood Center website or donate directly at the center, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily, including public holidays.