Urgent call for 200 daily donors as blood stocks dip across Oman

2026-03-04 - 20:37

Muscat – Health authorities have issued an urgent appeal for blood donations following a sharp decline in blood unit reserves, warning that immediate public support is critical to maintain uninterrupted services for patients across the sultanate. In a statement released on Wednesday, the Ministry of Health, represented by the Department of Blood Banks Services (DBBS), called on citizens and residents to come forward and donate, highlighting the need for more than 200 donors daily during the current period. Officials stressed that the shortage poses challenges in meeting the growing demand from hospitals handling emergency cases, surgeries, chronic illnesses and other medical conditions that rely on a steady blood supply. The ministry underscored that sustained community participation is essential to ensure that lifesaving units remain available for all who need them. According to the appeal, donation hours at the Central Blood Bank in Bausher run daily from 7pm to 11.30pm. The Seeb Blood Donation Centre operates from Sunday to Thursday during the same evening hours. For non-fasting donors, morning donations are also being facilitated from Sunday to Thursday between 8am and 12.30pm at the Central Blood Bank in Bausher. In addition, mobile blood donation drives were organised on Wednesday (14th day of Ramadan) from 8pm to 11pm at Al Bari School for Holy Quran Teaching in Mabelah and the Al Rasool Al A’dham Mosque in Muttrah. The ministry urged the public to respond promptly, noting that a single donation can save multiple lives. Authorities reaffirmed that all procedures are conducted in accordance with approved health and safety standards to protect donors and recipients alike. Residents seeking further information can contact DBBS through its official communication channels.