In just a few minutes, anyone wishing to donate blood in Saudi Arabia can receive a permit allowing them to go to the blood bank in light of the nationwide curfew imposed to stem the spread of the coronavirus.
This is made possible by the Wateen application, the Kingdom’s exclusive blood donation platform.
Specialist Mashary Al-Maliki, who is the operating director of the platform, confirmed a rise in demand among blood banks for donation.
“The number of people giving blood has increased considerably,” Al-Maliki said.
“The total number of donations registered on the platform exceeds half a million, and the total number of users exceeded 200,000, and for this month thus far we have exceeded 20,000 donations in various regions of the country,” he added.
Also, the Ministry of Health has urged citizens as well as residents to donate blood at regular intervals.
Ministry spokesman Dr. Mohammed Abdelali underlined the continued need to donate blood during the pandemic.
Abdelali urged all those who wish to donate blood to register their names using the Wateen application on their smartphones.
“This app will enable the intending blood donors to schedule their appointments with blood banks at hospitals and organize their trips after obtaining the necessary permit,” he said while addressing a daily press conference to brief the media about the latest developments on coronavirus.
“The environment designated for receiving donors in blood banks is an appropriate one where health requirements and high precautions are applied to ensure safety of all,” he added.
