Coronavirus: Embassy officials and frontline medics support depleted blood banks – The National

Coronavirus: Embassy officials and frontline medics support depleted blood banks – The National

Palestinian embassy officials and dozens of frontline medical staff have donated blood to local blood banks.. Several diplomats including Ambassador Issam Masalha gave blood in Abu Dhabi and encouraged others to help support the country's healthcare system.. Eighty-five medical staff from hospital group VPS Healthcare donated at three hospitals in Al Ain.. "We believe that blood donation is a national duty that only takes minutes, but in return can save lives," said ambassador Masalha.. The blood bank in the UAE capital recently reported a drop in blood donations as the public was told to stay home last month.. Abu Dhabi's blood bank, which covers 12 government and 25 private hospitals and trauma centres in the emirate, was at an all-time low in March.. "Because people are afraid of the virus, few people are coming forward to donate," Dr Naima Oumeziane, medical director of Abu Dhabi Blood Bank, which is operated by Sheikh Khalifa Medical City, said at the time.. "Donating blood is a safe process..