Blood continues to be one factor that affects surgeons from saving lives at the operating table.

This was highlighted by the Minister for Health and Medical Services, Dr Ifereimi Waqainabete, during the World Blood Donor Day march in Suva on Saturday.

Dr Waqainabete said it was important to advocate on donating blood in order to save lives.

“Nothing can change blood in its own purity,” he said.

“In my previous life as I used to work as a surgeon, it was very imperative that we always have blood available,” he said.

He said blood was still being asked for and prepared for patients that need it.

“It’s not until your family member goes to the hospital, then, actually, the calls go out to you to donate blood and then you realize how important blood is.

“We would like to encourage as many people as possible to give blood.

One of its challenging times was during the COVID19 outbreak as people could not be contacted to donate blood because of the restrictions in place.

“The blood that we give is useful for everyone in Fiji,” he said.

The blood that is received by the Fiji National Blood Service is tested for its effectiveness and purity.

Anyone between the ages of 16 and 65 years, weigh more than 50kg and you are fit and healthy, can donate blood.

Men can donate blood every three months while women can donate every four months.

Blood can be donated at the Blood Centres in CWM, Lautoka and Labasa Hospitals at any time, or look out for blood drives throughout the country.

Donors must eat before they give blood. The Blood Centres at CWM and Lautoka Hospitals are open on weekdays and the weekends.

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