PMGH needs blood donations every week

 By SHARLYNE ERI
COORDINATOR of the Port Moresby General Hospital’s  ANZ Corporate Blood Drive (CBD) Anna Megueria says the hospital requires  at least 400 screened bags every week to assist those in need.
“At any time PMGH has a stock of blood at hand, however we need at least 800 to 1000 people to try to donate blood so that we can collect about 400 bags of blood every week.
“Individual donors can donate blood every three to four months if they are in good health and are aged between 18 and 60 years old, weigh at least 45kg, and have not had symptoms of infection such as sore throat, cough, runny nose and diarrheoa for at least one week, and have not had a fever in the last three weeks.
“Blood donors can come to donate blood either during corporate blood drives or to PMGH’s blood bank. The blood bank centre is open every day from 9am to 3pm except for public holidays.
“All types of blood are required in PNG’s largest tertiary referral hospital and we are glad to get donations from donors of all blood types,” Megueria said.
She said ANZ CBD was important for collecting blood for the hospital and for raising awareness of the importance of donating blood to the public and for promoting the message of good health, a balanced iron-rich diet and regular health-screening.
“ANZ CBD is not only about donating blood but also serves the purpose of providing health awareness for corporate employees and giving them the opportunity to be a hero and save somebody’s life.
“World Health Organisation (WHO) is encouraging all blood transfusion services to move to voluntary blood donations, and we are well and truly on the way to achieving this at PMGH’s blood collection centre .We encourage our voluntary donors to become lifelong donors,” Megueria said.
She said that a lot of Port Moresby businesses are happy to support this worthy cause and mostly got in touch with the CBD team to organise a blood drive for their staff.
She said increased awareness over the past two years of the ANZ CBD  captured the interest of companies and great support was gained across the board.
‘Donate blood and save a life’ is the message from the Corporate Blood Drive supported by the Port Moresby General Hospital
With this message, Telikom PNG continues to support the cause by encouraging its employees to donate blood.
Telikom PNG is one of the corporate organisations that contribute immensely to the drive by donating up to  50 bags during each visit.
Any organisation wishing to arrange a blood drive can contact Anna – [email protected].