SIBU: The blood bank here is facing problems in supplying type A blood to smaller hospitals in the central region as the stock is down to below 15 pints yesterday.This was stated by its publicity officer Kenneth Numan who was concerned that their stock could run out by today.

Among other things, Kenneth did not discount the possibility that surgery may have to be delayed or postponed if there was no fresh supply coming in over the next few days.

“We are in a very tight situation as our current stock of type A blood will be depleted in no time,” he said during a blood donation drive at the Malaysian Red Cresent (MRC) headquarters at Jalan Awang Ramli Amit here.

The drive was jointly organised by Lions Club of Sibu Seduan, JCI Seduan and Sibu Blood Bank.

More than 50 donors turned up at the drive.

Kenneth said most patients required type A blood which caused an acute shortage.

Asked their contingency plan, he said they are calling up close relatives of the patients to come forward to donate.

Still on blood donation, he urged organisers to send in their schedule for next year soonest to ensure no clash in the timetable.

Meanwhile treasurer of Lions Club of Sibu Seduan, Thomas Tiong said the blood donation campaign was among their community-based projects for the year.

Tiong hoped they could help save lives through their effort.

JCI Seduan president Tommy Teng, donating blood for the first time, said he would continue to donate in future.

“At first, I was really afraid of the pain but after the first experience, it was not as frightful as I made it out to be,” Teng voiced out.

Earlier, Kenneth said their mobile unit will be at Island Club for their next round of blood donation drive, starting 9am.

The public can contact Ashok Damodaran at 084-343 333 for details.

Among those present were district chairman (community and activity) of Lions Club of Berjaya, Peter Goh and district chairman (cultural and community activities) of Lions Club of Sibu Seduan, Connie Loh Ming Hua.