Dubai, UAE, 10 February, 2016: Zulekha Hospital Sharjah is hosting a blood donation drive in association with the Ministry of Health once again to emphasise the significance of voluntary blood donation and saving lives.

Held in collaboration with the Sharjah Blood Transfusion and Research Centre at the Ministry of Health, the campaign follows the success of the inaugural event in August 2015, where dozens of Sharjah residents voluntarily contributed their time and donated enough blood to save up to 204 lives.

The initiative, supported by a host of volunteers and organised by Zulekha Hospital’s blood donation medical professionals, takes place on Monday 15 February from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm at Zulekha Hospital Sharjah.

Mr Taher Shams, Managing Director of Zulekha Hospital said:  “The response to the blood donation drive last year was a great start, but this year we want to build upon that success and help to save even more lives, educating the masses and spreading awareness on the initiative.”

“All staff members at Zulekha Hospital are being encouraged to donate to the cause and I urge our local community to help us raise the bar. This is one of the easiest ways to do a good deed and ultimately change a person’s life.”

The ‘Donate Blood. Save Life’ campaign is one of many community-orientated initiatives led by Zulekha Hospital.  It aims to serve the noble cause of saving lives as well to reinforce the spirit of humanitarian voluntary work in the minds of its employees, patients, associates and local communities.

Volunteers are invited to donate blood in a purpose equipped blood donation bus with state-of-the-art healthcare facilities that ensure hygienic and safe conditions under the hospital’s expert staff supervision.

Zanubia Shams, Co-Chairperson of Zulekha Hospital added: “I cannot emphasise strongly enough how important our call for blood is.  Blood is the most precious medicine that we cannot manufacture and it saves lives of millions of people throughout the world.”

“We would like to thank the incredible donors who volunteered last year and strongly encourage more people in our community to donate blood voluntarily.”

Zulekha Hospital welcomes anyone with the will and ability to donate blood.  Donors should not be fasting, must fall between the ages of 18 to 65 years and weigh no less than 55kg.

As one of the forerunners in UAE healthcare, serving both local and international communities, Zulekha Hospital understands the ongoing demand for blood, proportionate to the fast growing population of the Emirates.

To take part in the blood donation camp, pre-registration is required by calling +971 50 388 5359, +971 6 565 8867 or emailing Afreen Khanam at akhanam@zulekhahospitals.com.