​By RACHAEL FRANCIS

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KAMPAR – UTAR students kick it up a notch this semester as the number of blood donors mark a startling increase. The blood donation drive organized by the First Aid Society recorded close to 1000 bags of blood, a whole 25% more than in previous semesters.

The blood donation drive commencing every first week of the semester in the Heritage Hall sees a team of nurses and staff coming from the Raja Permaisuri Bainun Hospital in Ipoh every day for a week. This time round, 22 beds were set up.

Aspiring donors first had to undergo preliminary testing. After determining their blood groups, they proceeded to check their blood haemoglobin levels which have to be between 13 – 18. Lastly, they were given a serial number to identify the donor and recipient for database records.​

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Foundation in Arts student, Ang Wan Er, said she makes it a point to donate blood half yearly. “I think donating blood can help a lot of people,” said the 19 year-old Ang.

Lin Ting Sam pursuing a degree in accounting shared the same sentiments. The 20 year old first time donor was caught up in nerves before the nurse drew blood.

Donors received certificates from the hospital. Donors who did not donate an entire bag did not qualify for a certificate but left with goodie bags. An organ donation booth was also set up by the hospital.

Heng Wee Vian, Public Relation Manager of the First Aid Society said she was elated by the turn up. “The organ donation pledge booth received moderate response compared to blood donation because people (in Malaysia) are not aware about organ donation,” said Heng.

Heng opines that in the future, more effort can be put into promoting the benefits of pledging for organ donation.