Dubai, United Arab Emirates, November 26, 2017: In alignment with the Year of Giving, Aster DM healthcare together with government authorized blood banks is encouraging communities to come forward to donate blood, and support the Drop of Hope initiative. As part of the Aster @30 anniversary celebrations Aster Volunteers programme, the company is committed to facilitating 30,000 units of blood donation across the GCC, India and Philippines.

The campaign goes hand in hand with the DHAs efforts to encourage voluntary blood donors and raise awareness about the importance of regular blood donation. All blood banks need to constantly replenish their stocks to avoid the risk of shortage as the shelf life of blood is not more than six weeks. The requirement of blood is imperative in certain diseases like thalassemia, hemophilia, and in medical procedures like heart surgery, organ transplants and cancer.

A little time and a small act of giving from each of us can help save millions of lives each year. We wish to do our part in contributing to the DHAs initiative to encourage blood donation in UAE. And we are extending our efforts across the 9 countries where we are operating by committing to 30,000 units of blood donation as part of our 30th Anniversary celebrations. In the true spirit of giving back to the community, we are leveraging our Aster Volunteers programme to encourage and enable people from all walks of life, all nationalities and all ages to join us in this drive. All our doctors and staff across our units have come forward to volunteer in this noble cause, said Dr. Azad Moopen, Founder, Chairman and Managing Director, Aster DM Healthcare.

UAE residents can donate blood at the following locations and dates:
1. 30 November 2017 Global Village (5 pm 10 pm)
2. 2 December 2017 Global Village (5 pm 10 pm)
A blood donation camp held on 17th November received encouraging response from UAE residents.

Those who would like to donate blood can visit www.astervolunteers.com and enroll to be part of upcoming drives.

Common misconceptions
Myth: Giving blood hurts.
Fact: The pain experienced is no more than a needle prick.

Myth: Infections can be contracted from donating blood.
Fact: A clear procedure exists for taking blood from each donor. Sterility is maintained at all steps. A sterile, new needle is used for each donation and is then properly discarded. Use of sterile equipment and technique mitigates the chance of infection.

Myth: There is limited blood in the body and it is unhealthy to give some away.
Fact: Only about 350-450ml of blood is taken during a donation session. There is sufficient blood in the body to donate it without any ill effects. The body makes same quantity blood soon after the donation.

Myth: Age is a deterrent to blood donation.
Fact: Anyone in the age group of 18-65 years can give blood if they are fit and healthy.

Myth: People taking any medication cannot donate blood.
Fact: Only certain medications such as aspirin, antibiotics, steroids, hormones, anticoagulants, can disqualify one from donating blood. Your doctor can give you the best advice.