Fortunately, there are several blood banks in Lahore working diligently to help people in need of safe blood while raising awareness about the issue. Unfortunately, when it comes to blood donation in Pakistan, the country suffers from a severe shortage of donors. According to news reports, only a small percentage of Pakistanis donate blood voluntarily. In fact, nearly 90% of blood required for transfusions is donated by family and friends of a patient. Due to a few misconceptions about donating blood, most people don’t realise how it is not only an opportunity to improve someone else’s health but also their own.
There are several health benefits of donating blood. For instance, it reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases and cancer. It also helps maintain a person’s cholesterol levels.
Before we discuss the most trusted centres for blood donation in Lahore, here are a few things you should know about the process of blood donation and how your simple act of kindness can save a precious life.
Who Can Donate Blood?
Any healthy individual over the age of 18 can donate blood. However, medical personnel at blood banks first ask a few health-related questions to determine if a person is eligible to donate blood. They also perform a small test to make sure your blood is safe for transfusion.
A blood donor should have normal haemoglobin, must weigh 55 kg or above, and have normal blood pressure. People who are diabetic may also donate blood if their sugar levels are under control. Meanwhile, people who have had jaundice due to Hepatitis B and C, or those who have HIV/AIDS cannot donate blood.
It takes about 8 minutes, sometimes even less, to fill a 450 ml blood bag. This little generosity can potentially save a person from dying.
How Is Your Blood Donation Used?
Blood transfusion in Pakistan, as well as in the rest of the world, is usually needed for people battling serious liver and kidney diseases. Cancer patients also require transfusions, along with trauma victims and children with Thalassemia. Pregnant women may also require a blood transfusion in case of medical complications. Also, a majority of victims of serious road accidents need blood transfusions to survive.
Things to Keep in Mind While Donating Blood
Before you visit a blood bank to make a donation, make sure you get a decent night’s sleep and don’t skip any meals. In addition to that, drink a lot of juices and do not take any blood-thinning medication, such as Aspirin, two days before your visit. You should also wear a loose sleeved shirt when you go to donate blood.
Most blood banks in Lahore and other cities offer juice boxes to blood donors. However, if that’s not available, make sure to drink something once you have donated the blood. Also, do not get up immediately after they remove the bag. Instead, keep lying for a few minutes to prevent dizziness. Avoid any physical exercise or strenuous activities for at least 5 to 6 hours and do not drive or smoke for the next 2 hours. Blood donors must also consume plenty of fluids.
Moreover, always make sure the needle being used is new and sterile. Also, check to see if it is properly disposed of afterwards.
In case you don’t feel well after giving blood, consult a doctor. It is recommended to take a 3-month gap before donating blood again.
List of Famous Blood Banks in Lahore
Here are some of the most trusted blood donation centres in Lahore:
- Hussaini Blood Bank
- Sundas Foundation
- Fatimid Foundation Lahore
- Pakistan Red Crescent Society
- Lahore Blood Bank and Transfusion Center
Let’s take a look at the locations, timings, contact information, and other details of these famous blood banks in Lahore.
Husaini Blood Bank
With more than 75 branches spread all over the country, Hussaini Blood Bank is one of the most notable and trusted blood banks in Lahore. This independent and certified blood bank supplies blood to nearly 150 hospitals in Pakistan. To ensure patients only receive safe and healthy blood, Husaini Blood Bank uses the FDA approved Nucleic Acid Test (NAT) screening process to prevent transmission of any diseases.
Husaini Blood Bank is a division of Husaini Hematology and Oncology trust, which was established as Husaini back in 1979. Other divisions include Husaini Pharmacy, Husaini Laboratory, Husaini Thalassemia Center, Husaini Institute of Haematology, and Husaini Haemophilia Center.
Address: 09 Habitat Villas, Jail Road, Shadman 2, Lahore.
Hours: 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM (Closed on Sundays)
Contact: 042-37581067
Sundas Foundation
Established in 1998 as a blood transfusion centre for children suffering from Thalassemia and Leukemia among other diseases, Sundas Foundation is one of the most renowned blood banks in Lahore. This non-profit organisation has a team of dedicated medical professionals and volunteers who work around-the-clock to make sure patients with chronic blood diseases receive screened and healthy blood in a timely manner.
Although it started as one of the first registered blood banks in Gujranwala, Sundas Foundation now has branches in various cities including Lahore, Sialkot, Faisalabad, and Gujrat. It is also a member of World Haemophilia Federation and Thalassemia International Federation.
Address: 880, near Crescent Model Girls High School, Shadman 1, Lahore.
Hours: Open 24 hours
Contact: 042-37422131
Fatimid Foundation Lahore
Yet another well-known blood bank in Lahore with branches all over Pakistan, Fatimid Foundation was founded in 1978 in Karachi. Since then, it has grown into a country-wide network providing specialised services to patients suffering from blood disorders. A majority of these patients are children. Qualified medical staff is present at all centres of Fatimid Foundation, ensuring a safe and healthy blood donation process.
Fatimid Foundation was also the first non-profit organisation in the country to introduce the advanced NAT screening facility that reduces the risk of infected blood being transfused to unsuspecting patients. This technology prevents the transmission of deadly diseases such as Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, HIV, and others.
Address: 72-A, Block D-2, Phase 1, Johar Town, Lahore.
Hours: 9:30 AM to 6:30 PM (Closed on Sundays)
Contact: 042-35210834
Pakistan Red Crescent Society
Pakistan Red Crescent Society, also known as Hilal-e-Ahmer, is one of the biggest humanitarian organisations in Pakistan providing emergency medical relief, especially during natural and other disasters. As a part of its mission, the Pakistan Red Crescent Blood Transfusion Service has established eight blood banks across the country. It also organises blood drives and other events to raise awareness about the importance and dire need of blood donations in Pakistan.
Like most blood banks in Lahore, becoming a donor at Pakistan Red Crescent Society is fairly simple. All you have to do is fill up a registration form and take a mini test to ensure you are healthy enough to donate blood. The process takes between 8 to 10 minutes, after which blood donors are provided with a snack and a juice box to replenish their energy.
Address: Queen’s Road, Mozang Chungi, Lahore.
Hours: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM (Closed on Sundays)
Contact: 042-36304703
Lahore Blood Bank and Transfusion Centre
Registered with the Punjab Blood Bank Regulatory Authority, the Blood Bank and Transfusion Centre in Aadil Hospital is open 24 hours a day. Being one of the most famous blood banks in Lahore, this centre caters to emergency and trauma cases, supports the Dialysis Center, and serves patients battling cancer and other diseases.
This blood donation centre in Lahore is managed by a team of medical professionals who ensure the practice of safe blood handling. The hospital also has a separate Blood Transfusion Committee that oversees matters regarding blood donations and transfusions. It also offers a variety of blood tests and treatments.
Address: Aadil Hospital, Main Boulevard, DHA, Lahore
Hours: Open 24 hours
Contact: 042-111-223-454, 0301-8421976
It is important to mention that blood donation must always take place in the presence of medical personnel at a hospital, clinic, or blood banks.
For those who live in Karachi, you can become a donor at these registered blood banks in Karachi. Also, several renowned blood banks in Islamabad offer a ray of hope to patients of all ages. Stay tuned to Zameen Blog, the leading lifestyle blog in Pakistan, for more information about medical facilities in Pakistan. You can also send us your queries and suggestions at blog@zameen.com.
