Blood Donation Program in Malaysia: Government Initiatives towards Attracting Volunteer Blood Donors

Abstract

Millions of people need blood because of many reasons such as accidents, routine surgeries, treatment of serious diseases such as cancer and thalassemia. In many countries, the availability of blood product depends on a small number of volunteer donors, including Malaysia. Present trends in blood collection and capacity usage in Malaysia have raised concerns about the ability to meet potential needs. To ensure an adequate blood supply in health facilities is a challenging task for the government especially Ministry of Health Malaysia. It is important to develop a program with influential initiatives that can help to boost public interest and willingness to involve in blood donation program. This study aims to identify and examine the initiatives conducted by the government in order to attract the interest of public to become volunteer blood donor. This study identified that there were five main initiatives implemented by the government to attract public to donate blood, namely: (a) intensive advertising (via mainstream television and radio channels); (b) mobile blood transfusion service center; (c) incentives to blood donors; (d) establishments of donation suites, and; (e) collaboration with other government institution for blood donation campaign. Although current situation showed significant changes in terms of public awareness and willingness towards this program, but there are rooms for improvement for the government to consider in maintaining the balance between blood supply and demand in the country. Focusing on public to register, as frequent or repeated volunteer blood donor, is obviously one of the main available option that current situation need to strengthen.