Urgent call made to everyone to contact the Fiji Red Cross and register to donate blood that will save lives

As the country continues to face a blood shortage, an urgent call is being made to everyone to contact the Fiji Red Cross and register to donate blood that will save lives.

Blood is needed every day for pregnant mothers, accident victims, cancer patients, complications of diabetes and patients who need surgery.

The Fiji Red Cross says the need for blood continues to be an urgent priority, and under its auxiliary role to Government, the humanitarian organisation has increased its support to the Fiji National Blood Service to address this urgent need.

The Fiji National Blood Service Director, Josefa Bolaqace says for those who are concerned on whether it’s safe to donate blood during this pandemic, be assured that the blood drive will follow the highest standards of safety and infection control.

Individuals who have received a COVID-19 vaccine are still eligible to donate blood, however, a person would need to wait seven days after getting the vaccine before donating.

Fiji Red Cross Society Director General, Ilisapeci Rokotunidau says over a hundred volunteers have undergone comprehensive training and will be recruiting blood donors across the country through the use of telephones.

The blood campaign appeals to new blood donor recruits to come forward and register their interest via phone or online platforms.

If you want to donate blood to save lives, please contact the Fiji Red Cross and they will facilitate where you can go and give blood. Transport will be provided by Fiji Red Cross if you cannot reach the site.

People willing to donate blood can contact the following numbers:

Central : 8903885

Western : 9920297

Northern : 9992464

You can also register online through the Fiji Red Cross Facebook page. 

Senior Content Director of Communications Fiji Limited, Satya Nand says FM96, Navtarang, Viti FM, Legend FM and Radio Sargam are assisting the Fiji Red Cross and the National Blood Bank Service to ensure people register in numbers for this cause to save lives.

He calls on people to call the numbers now and register to donate blood.

Please click here for Fiji Red Cross Society Blood donor Registration.