Blood donation

The chaos led to opportunistic looting, resulting in severe blood loss among casualties treated at PMGH, depleting blood stocks to alarming levels.

Most casualties were involved in looting businesses, including major supporters of the blood drive such as Brian Bell Group and CPL Group. Dr. Molumi expressed concern, stating: "Now that these businesses are looted, PMGH is struggling to restock blood."

Dr. Kingston was announcing the names of 20 notable individuals who had donated blood not only once but multiple times, during the commemoration of World blood donor day on Wednesday 15^th June 2023.

A number of them are employees of Port Moresby General Hospital.

“These are the lights among us. These are the people who put their hands up to do something that is not customary.

“Maybe when guests come to our house, people give gifts, it’s easy to give gifts. But it’s not natural to give blood. This is a concept that is foreign us.

They also received from Sir Brian Bell Foundation, sports equipment for the school. 

These gifts were presented by Director Medical Services Dr. Kone Sobi on the World Blood Donor day celebration hosted by Sir Brian Bell Centre for Blood Transfusion at Port Moresby General Hospital on Wednesday 14th June, 2023.

Deputy Student Affairs at Don Bosco Technical Secondary School Peter Ndrasal said donating blood freely is part of their responsibility as Bosconians fulfilling one of their identity in ‘serving others’.  

The small but significant celebration featured mostly the faithful donors who have given selflessly over the years and months life giving blood to those in need.

The day was simultaneously observed with blood donor drives around the city and the country where Brian Bell stores are located.

“Give Blood, Give Plasma, Share Life, Share Often” is the theme of the 2023 World Blood Donor Day.

Dr. Kone Sobi, Director Medical Services at PMGH emphasized that demand for blood donor is very high, and blood donation is a free medical treatment.

The Hotel management invited the Sir Brian Bell Centre staff to do the blood donation from its staff and many have come forward to donate blood willingly today.

A staff from the Food and Beverages, Roslyn Aposo, was very positive about the donation. Her first donation was to help her own father in 2015, when she was still a student. This is her second time to donate blood and she would do it all over again if she has too.

“So saving a life is better than being selfish and keeping your blood to yourself. At least we are able to give to save those in need,” Ms Aposo said.

“I imagined myself lying in hospital in need of blood and there wasn’t a single bag available,” said Ms Kilip, a first-time donor and Oil Search’s Government Affairs Advisor.

“I plan on donating blood again in three months as there are associated health benefits as well.”

Noel Tomdia, a regular blood donor and an Inventory Controller at Oil Search, feels strongly that one should always take the opportunity to save a life when it presents itself. “I have made a pledge to donate blood every time I am able to.”

The issue is directly related to the shortage of blood donations that affect the treatment of many patients each day.

The patients cover everyone from all walks of life and all across PNG. The issue is a large one, but thankfully for PNG, there has been one lady that has taken up the challenge over the past three years to see that this trend change. Her name is Anna Megueria.

The Hebou Barramundi’s and Cricket PNG took a shot in the arm this month to ensure all team members keep swinging the bat and taking those classic catches.

The ‘Better Health’ support from PMGH was to ensure the whole of the squad including management at Cricket PNG were covered for Tetanus.

This is a serious disease that many people neglect to think about as part of their overall health regime. The Cricket PNG CEO, Mr. Greg Campbell does not take any risks when it comes to the health of his team and management.

Want to save a life and reap the health benefits? Donate blood today. 

Blood Donations Saves Lives -