Doha: The Ministry of Endowments (Awqaf) and Islamic Affairs' General Directorate of Endowments on Monday inaugurated the QR2.5m, 80-square meter, mobile blood donation unit funded by the Waqf Bank for Healthcare.
Director General of General Directorate of Endowments Sheikh Dr. Khalid bin Mohammed bin Ghanim Al-Thani, and Acting Assistant Managing Director and Head of specialized Hospitals at Hamad Medical Corporation Ali Al Janahi attended the launch of the service.
Sheikh Dr. Khalid Al-Thani expressed happiness with the continuous partnership between the ministry and HMC, which is a reflection of the ministry's motto - "Endowments as a Societal Partnership." He also hailed the service as a world-class integrated clinic to bolster the healthcare services provided by the Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) for nationals and residents.
Sheikh Dr. Khalid added that the mobile phlebotomist works effectively in blood sample collection and organizing field campaigns in cooperation with the HMC Blood Donor Center. He praised the highly qualified technical, nursing, medical, and administrative staff as well as the assistance services provided for urgent and critical cases.
"The phlebotomist was designed by HMC according to world-class technical standards and the criteria of safety and security, particularly the ease of transport and adaptation to various climatic circumstances," he said.
He also hailed the outer and interior aesthetic designs that provided privacy and comfort for all donors.
"The body of the phlebotomist expands to give a wider interior space for attracting further blood donors and providing further comfort for the medical staff and donors alike, and the design takes into consideration those with special needs through its wheelchair ramps," noted Sheikh Dr. Khalid Al-Thani.
He pointed out that the phlebotomist is equipped with special rooms for receiving and testing donors, pre-donation blood screening, drawing blood samples, as well as a post-donation observation room where donors can have a light snack and be checked for safety; and a room specialised for the supervising physicians.
He added that the blood sample collection room, which accommodates up to six donors simultaneously with full privacy, follows the most advanced technologies regarding blood drawing and screening as well as blood bank refrigerators to ensure safety before transferring blood samples into blood donation laboratories.
Ali Al Janahi hailed the effective partnership with the General Directorate of Endowments (Awqaf).
He said that the mobile blood donation unit will play a vital role in strengthening HMC's efforts dedicated to securing ample blood supplies before and during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 tournament.
He said that the unit is eco-friendly and is equipped with solar panels that are capable of generating electricity from solar energy sources or direct power generators.
Janahi noted that HMC has launched two additional vehicles to support blood donation in the community, in addition to the mobile units offered by the Minister of Endowments (Awqaf) and Islamic Affairs, represented by Awqaf, noting that the mobile units are an integral part of the two blood donation units in Hamad Bin Khalifa Medical City, which is located adjacent to HMC's Surgical Specialty Center.
He underlined that the voluntary blood donation process fulfills the requirements of the state of Qatar and is considered the highest rate in the region.
"Notwithstanding, Qatar has doubled its efforts pertaining to blood donation to ensure the obtainment of ample blood supplies for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 tournament," he said.
He added that blood donation services, which secure the obtainment of a sufficient quantity of safe blood for patients, are a core element to achieving an effective health system.
According to him, the new unit will primarily enable access to substantial numbers of individuals, in addition to strengthening their efforts to ensure the obtainment of ample blood supplies that fulfill the current and future requirements.
"To be a blood donor entails that you offer an incredible gift to save and protect individuals' lives when required, since the voluntary blood donation grants the patients an opportunity to survive and live for a longer time," he said.
The Waqf Bank for Healthcare is one of the six endowment banks at the General Administration of Endowments that was established based on the historic role played by the health endowments.
