PETALING JAYA: Better incentives for blood donors may encourage more to donate, but such perks are still not widely known among the masses, says St John Ambulance of Malaysia executive manager Kevin Peter Ryapan.
“The issue here is that many are unaware of the benefits although that information, along with the tracking of personal blood donations, is digitally available on the MySejahtara mobile application,” he said.
Kevin was commenting on the latest Health Ministry circular issued by its director-general Datuk Dr Muhammad Radzi Abu Hassan on the additional benefits for blood donors at government health facilities.
In a scheme that rewards frequent blood donations, donors are entitled to a host of free treatments, from inpatient to outpatient and dental, and admission to a first-class or second-class ward for different periods.
The medical incentives that a person is eligible for are based on the number of times – up to more than 100 – they have donated.
Kevin said it is possible to donate up to 100 times, although it may take up to 25 years if the individual consistently donates four times a year.
“It is a feasible goal. Personally, I donate four times a year and we have those who have donated over 100 times.
“I know an uncle in his 50s who has donated 105 times,” he said.
However, young people, Kevin added, are less keen to donate and hampered by their busy schedules.
“We are trying to promote blood donation to them and looking at how we can make it more convenient for them such as having blood donation centres in malls, where people can drop by during lunch hour or while shopping,” he said.
Student Elisha Mary Easter, 24, said she is glad to learn about dental treatment being an additional benefit.
“It does make me happy to donate because I am appreciated and it would help with my yearly dental check-up.
“With these additional perks, my friends may be more motivated to donate too, though many of them may not know about this,” she said.
When asked about donating more than 50 times, Elisha said it is difficult to achieve this target as consistent donations are needed.
She has donated blood seven times to date.
“I have been rejected three times because of the stringent donation rules, and I usually participate at donation drives in my university,” she said.
Ho Ming Hui, who studies medicine, said the enhanced privileges will not change her blood donation habit.
“I have donated 11 times because blood donation is important and it has become a routine for me,” said the 25-year-old, adding that many of her peers are also frequent donors.
Ho suggested that the ministry provide benefits to those who have never donated, and said raising awareness of the benefits will be a good step.
The benefit that Ho received was a free hepatitis B booster shot after donating twice in a year.
Senior sales executive Pang Shiang Yih, 24, said accessibility to donate will be a highly motivating factor.
“The additional privileges do not impact me as I donate for a good cause and for my health,” she said.
Pang just donated two months ago after spotting a donation drive at a mall.
“Convenience is important. It will be quite troublesome to head to the hospital,” she said.
