Central Blood Bank marks 60th anniversary, celebrates Blood Donor Day, honors donors
Minister of Health Dr. Ahmed Al-Awadhi said the integration of advanced technologies has significantly increased the efficiency of blood use and ensured transfusions are carried out with the highest precision.
In a speech delivered on Monday to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Central Blood Bank, World Blood Donor Day, and to honor blood donors, Al-Awadhi disclosed over 90,000 persons visited the Central Blood Bank over the past year to donate more than 190,000 blood components, including red blood cells, platelets, and plasma.
He noted that approximately 150,000 units of blood were provided to hospitals across the country to support the treatment of cancer and thalassemia patients, as well as emergency cases.
Dr. Al-Awadhi stressed the Central Blood Bank, established in 1965, was the region’s first integrated national blood transfusion center and has become a model for institutional blood services.
It was among the first in the region to receive accreditation from the American Association of Blood Banks (AABB) in 1989, in addition to accreditations from the International Society of Blood Transfusion (ISBT) and the College of American Pathologists (CAP).
“These accreditations reflect our ongoing commitment to adhering to scientific and quality standards,” he stated, emphasizing how the implementation of modern technologies has reduced waste and improved the availability and safety of blood units for patients.
The Minister also pointed out that the number of blood donation campaigns organized by the Blood Bank and its branches in recent years has exceeded thousands, spanning diverse sectors.
These initiatives have played a vital role in embedding a culture of donation in Kuwaiti society. He underscored the Ministry’s commitment to further developing infrastructure, upgrading laboratory equipment, and training national staff to maintain a high-quality, sustainable blood supply system.
Also speaking at the event, Director of the Blood Transfusion Services Department Dr. Reem Al-Radwan highlighted the Blood Bank’s vital role during critical periods in Kuwait’s history, including the Iraqi invasion and the COVID-19 pandemic. She stressed the importance of continuing to organize strategic blood donation campaigns to ensure a steady and safe supply of blood for hospitals.
Dr. Al-Radwan added that the launch of the 60th-anniversary campaign serves to reaffirm the essential, life-saving role of blood donation and encourages continued public participation in this humanitarian effort.
