It’s in my blood to donate, says ex-soldier on going 100 up

 

Hospital Tuanku Jaafar transfusion medicine specialist Dr Firdaus Che Ros (left) presenting the platinum award to Nor Aziman Idris. (Bernama pic)

SEREMBAN: Nor Aziman Idris, 48, may have retired from the army six years ago, but he continues to serve the country by becoming a blood donor.

The father of six, who was with the 15th Battalion of the Royal Malay Regiment based in Senawang, said soldiers are required to donate blood regularly and he started when he was 20 years old.

“I still donate blood. I feel uneasy if I don’t. It’s like an addiction,” said Nor Aziman, who donates every three months.

Hence, as the record holder for the most blood donations in Negeri Sembilan this year – 100 and counting – Hospital Tuanku Ja’afar (HTJ) presented him with a platinum award today.

“I can’t afford to donate in kind or money, but I hope my tiny contribution will help save a life,” the Johorean said.

Nor Aziman, who has Type O blood, is also an apheresis (plasma and platelet) donor, and plans to continue till he dies.

“Aside from helping others, donating blood has health benefits and is an investment in the afterlife. I hope this will motivate others to become donors, too,” he said.

Arumugam Kuppusamy, 55, who belonged to the 2nd Regiment of the Royal Armoured Corps at Kem Sunggala, Port Dickson, said it is not true that blood donors will gain weight or contract a disease from donating blood.

“I wasn’t able to have children after being married for a long time so I decided to be a blood donor because they say it makes you healthier and you’re helping someone else at the same time,” said the father of three, whose children are following in his footsteps as blood donors.

Arumugam, a driver with the Seremban district health office, said he became a donor when he was 23 years old.

According to transfusion medicine specialist Dr Firdaus Che Ros, HTJ is able to collect 1,000 to 1,200 bags of blood per month through its donation drives, with over 20 donors turning up daily.

“The youngest donor is 17, while the oldest is 60. Please donate blood. There’s nothing to fear because we follow a strict standard operating procedure,” said Firdaus.

Every June 14 is World Blood Donor Day and the theme this year is “Give Blood and Keep the World Beating”.

State health director Dr Harlina Abdul Rashid said Negeri Sembilan’s blood stock is stable at the moment but she encourages more people to become donors.

“Last year, because of the Covid-19 pandemic, we collected just 16,000 bags of blood compared to 18,000 bags in 2019 – a 12% drop. But we’ve had all kinds of promotions – including via social media – to encourage blood donation,” said Harlina. - FMT