SINGAPORE — The Singapore Red Cross (SRC) and the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) have launched a public appeal for blood donations to replenish the low blood stock here. 

Stocks are low across all blood groups, SRC and HSA said in a joint statement on Wednesday (Dec 11).

To raise the supply to healthy levels, they will need:

• 1,500 donors with group O blood type

• 750 donors with group A blood type

• 750 donors with group B blood type

In particular, stocks of group O blood products are half of what is needed to support medical emergencies in Singapore.

“Being the universal blood group, group O is required during emergencies when patients’ blood groups are unknown. Furthermore, nearly half of the patients in Singapore have group O blood and can only receive similar blood,” the statement said.

To qualify as a donor, individuals have to be between 16 and 60 years of age, weigh at least 45kg, and have group O, A or B blood. Donors under 17 will need a signed parental consent form. 

Interested donors may visit the following four blood banks with their national registration identity card or passport to donate their blood:

• Bloodbank@HSA (Outram)

• Bloodbank@Dhoby Ghaut

• Bloodbank@Woodlands

• Bloodbank@Westgate Tower

Those who have not donated blood before in Singapore should visit www.hsa.gov.sg/donor_criteria to complete a short questionnaire to check if they are eligible. Interested donors may also call 6220 0183 for more information or to make an appointment.