Phuket honours blood donors on World Blood Donor Day
Phuket honoured blood donors on World Blood Donor Day and continued a province-wide campaign to boost blood reserves for local hospitals.
Phuket marked World Blood Donor Day with an event honouring blood donors and supporting organisations, while also continuing a province-wide campaign to strengthen blood reserves for hospitals in Phuket and the surrounding region.
The event was held at The Pago Design Hotel in Phuket Town and was organised by the Phuket Red Cross Chapter in cooperation with the Phuket Regional Blood Centre of the Thai Red Cross Society under the global theme, “One Drop of Humanity. Give Blood Save Lives.”
The annual event is held worldwide on June 14 to thank blood donors for helping save lives and to promote regular blood donation. Attendees in Phuket included government officials, representatives from public and private organisations, members of the Phuket Red Cross Chapter, blood donors and local media.
Phuket Governor Nirat thanked donors and supporting organisations for helping maintain adequate blood supplies for hospitals and patients in need.
“Every blood donor gives the gift of life to patients and those requiring urgent medical treatment without expecting anything in return,” Gov Nirat said.
“Blood donation not only helps save lives, but also reflects the spirit of kindness, sacrifice and cooperation within our society,” he added.
The ceremony included the presentation of plaques and certificates to individuals and organisations recognised for long-term support of blood donation activities in Phuket. Special recognition was also given to donors who had donated blood more than 100 and 200 times. The highest-recognised donor this year was honoured for making 320 blood donations.
Phuket Regional Blood Centre chief Porntip Ratchak said World Blood Donor Day is observed annually by the World Health Organisation, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and other international blood organisations. She said the date commemorates Austrian scientist Dr Karl Landsteiner, whose discovery of the ABO blood group system transformed blood transfusion medicine.
Ms Porntip said the event aimed to thank donors, encourage regular blood donation and strengthen cooperation among government agencies, private organisations and the public in addressing blood shortages.
In addition to the awards ceremony, attendees were able to donate blood and register as organ and eye donors. The Phuket Regional Blood Centre also continued its blood donation campaign from June 8-14 to encourage regular donations and reinforce blood supplies for hospitals across Phuket and nearby areas.
