Singapore’s Health Minister, Ong Ye Kung, is appealing urgently for O blood donations as the country’s blood stocks have remained at low to moderate levels since the beginning of the year. Minister Ong highlighted this concern during an event at Singapore Expo to commemorate World Blood Donor Day. He emphasized the recent surge in blood usage due to hospitals catching up on elective surgeries and treatments that were postponed during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The demand for O blood, which can be utilized in emergencies for patients of any blood group, has reached critical levels, leading to a rapid depletion of stocks. Additionally, Minister Ong noted that the shortage is exacerbated by the June school holidays when many individuals travel. Donations are affected during this period due to regulations that prohibit blood donation after visiting certain countries.
To address this pressing issue, Minister Ong is encouraging both regular and potential donors to cultivate a habit of donating blood before traveling. By doing so, they can significantly contribute to raising Singapore’s blood stocks to healthy and sustainable levels.
Mad Cow Disease
In related news, Minister Ong announced that later this year, Singapore will ease the restrictions on blood donation rules concerning Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (vCJD), commonly known as “mad cow disease.” This rare and severe neurological disorder occurs due to the accumulation of abnormal prion proteins in the brain. The disease can manifest spontaneously due to genetic mutations or from consuming contaminated beef products in specific countries during certain years.
Previously, individuals with a history of residing in countries such as the United Kingdom, Ireland, and France for a certain period were prohibited from donating blood due to the risk of vCJD incubation. However, advancements in scientific understanding have led to the development of leucodepletion, a process that removes white blood cells, which can potentially transmit diseases, from transfused blood.
Mr. Ong shared a personal example of how he is affected by this restriction himself. As a student in the late 1980s, he lived in the UK and is currently unable to donate blood due to this policy. However, it’s important to note that no human cases of vCJD transmission through transfusion of leucodepleted blood have been reported thus far. Countries such as the United States and Australia have already lifted geographical risk restrictions associated with vCJD.
Singapore will also follow suit later this year, according to Minister Ong. He expressed his anticipation for the policy change and his eagerness to donate blood and contribute to the cause. In July of last year, Minister Ong previously issued a call for blood donors during the pandemic when stocks of A+ and O+ blood reached critically low levels. His appeal resulted in over 1,700 donors stepping forward within four days.
Minister Ong emphasized that more than 34,000 patients benefited from blood donations in 2022. Individuals interested in donating blood can check their eligibility and schedule an appointment by visiting giveblood.sg.