Save lives, donate blood

When you donate blood, you give patients the gift of a second chance at life — a gift that science still cannot replicate.

This is according to the South African National Blood Service (SANBS), which has reminded South Africans of the importance of voluntarily donating blood ahead of World Blood Donor Day (WBDD), celebrated annually on 14 June. SANBS, a non-profit organisation licensed to provide blood transfusion services in South Africa, stressed that blood transfusion is a core component of the nation’s healthcare system. Individuals who donate blood make a vital contribution to the health and survival of others.

“Maintaining adequate blood stocks is an ongoing challenge for many countries. In South Africa, less than 1% of the population are active blood donors — and with each unit of blood lasting only 42 days after collection, it is crucial for donors to give blood regularly and for blood service organisations to broaden the donor pool,” SANBS explained.

The organisation noted that for most people, the motivation to donate blood stems from pure selflessness — the understanding that a single unit of blood can save up to three lives, as it is separated into red blood cells, plasma and platelets.

“Generally, patients are not expected to pay for blood from their own pockets. At public hospitals, the costs are covered by the government and/or a patient’s medical aid when admitted to a private facility.

“We receive no funds or subsidies from the government and are entirely funded through the fees we charge for our service, which ensures the availability of safe, high-quality blood products. Blood is an essential but costly resource due to the collection, screening and testing processes that guarantee its safety for transfusion,” SANBS said.

The cost of transfused blood covers services such as collection, testing, storage and delivery. Staff salaries and operational overheads also contribute to the total expense.

Additionally, costs account for the transport of blood to specialised laboratories and the rigorous testing of each unit for transfusion-transmissible infections, including HIV, Hepatitis B and C, and syphilis.

For more information visit: www.sanbs.org.za