Collaborating with a number of entities from both the public and private sector, Wednesday’s (Dec 13) drive was the fourth one of its kind this year organised by the Hospital.
Phuket Vice Governor Amnuay Pinsuwan oversaw the official opening of the ‘4th Phuket Blood Donation Drive’ on the 2nd floor of Limelight Phuket Shopping Center, which ran from 10am until 4pm.
Joining Mr Amnuay were Mrs Busadee Suwannarat, President of the Phuket Red Cross Society, President of the Interior Housewives Club and wife of Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat, Dr Supalak La-ongphet, Deputy Medical Director from Vachira Phuket Hospital, as well as selected dignitaries, members of the public and tourists.
Mr Amnuay expressed his gratitude to all those who had donated blood and for making sacrifices to help fellow humans, adding that great luck and merit would no doubt be bestowed on them for their selfless actions.
Whether blood donations were for common or rare blood type groups, Mr Amnuay thanked everyone for their kind act. Everyone who donated on the day also received a free commemorative tee-shirt of the occasion.
Mrs Busadee explained the importance of blood donation, with several key factors emphasising this.
“Phuket is a world-famous tourist destination and a large number of tourists are now coming in,” she explained. “Furthermore, there has been an increase in the number of workers returning to the island as development and construction plans increase. Therefore the general population has increased, meaning in the event of accidents or illness, it is important that access to blood, and the right types of blood, is available,” she added.
“That is one of the principle reasons that this event was created, to encourage blood donations to safeguard the health of everyone in Phuket, be they visitors or long-term residents.”
Dr Supalak explained how Vachira Phuket Hospital is a tertiary care centre hospital in the Andaman Coast Province, meaning that its duties expand above and beyond just patients in Phuket.
“Vachira Phuket Hospital administers approximately 40,000 units of blood per year but the demand is increasing with an increase in the number of people moving to or visiting Phuket and the local region,” Dr Supalak explained.
“In particular, the need to procure the special blood group Rh-negative has increased. This is a blood type that is rare in Thai people but relatively common among foreigners. However, with an increased number of accidents witnessed lately, many of which have required large amounts of blood, it is a type that is in demand.
“That is why an event like today is important as it helps raise awarness and, hopefully, allows us to procure the right types of blood to ensure the health and safety of Phuket residents and visitors, as well of those in neighbouring provinces, be they Thai or foreign,” Dr Suapalak said.
The ‘4th Phuket Blood Donation Drive’ was organised by: the Phuket Red Cross Society; Vachira Phuket Hospital Blood Bank; Phuket Immigration; Phuket Provincial Tourism and Sports Office; Phuket Provincial Passport Office; and Limelight Phuket Shopping Center.
If you wish to donate you can do so at the outpatient building on the 4th floor of Vachira Phuket Hospital. Or for additional information, call 076-361-234 ext 1285.