KUWAIT: Expatriate residents in Kuwait took part in a large-scale blood donation campaign organized by the Embassy of India and the Indian Doctors Forum on Saturday at the Cooperative Blood Transfusion Center in Adan, marking World Blood Donor Day. The event was held under the patronage of Minister of Health Dr Ahmad Al-Awadhi, who reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to strengthening Kuwait’s national blood transfusion system through infrastructure development, staff training, and expanding the donor base.
“We believe that donating blood is not merely a medical procedure, but a noble expression of belonging and compassion. It is also a sign of a society’s maturity and solidarity in facing health challenges,” Dr Al-Awadhi told reporters at the launch. He noted that June 14 is globally recognized as a day to honor voluntary and unpaid blood donors who contribute to saving lives and improving public health.
The campaign was attended by Indian Ambassador Dr Adarsh Swaika, along with senior health officials including Dr Hanan Al-Awadhi, Acting Director of Blood Transfusion Services. Dr Hanan noted that donors from over 75 nationalities living in Kuwait contribute to campaigns year-round. She estimated that up to 200 donors would participate in this drive alone, reinforcing the strategic blood reserve needed for ongoing hospital care. “As long as there are patients in hospitals, the need for blood donations remains constant,” she said.
This is the second consecutive year that the Indian Embassy, in cooperation with the Indian Doctors Forum, has partnered with the Ministry of Health for such a campaign, she said. Ambassador Swaika said the campaign aimed to encourage a culture of voluntary blood donation. He noted that the Indian community has organized numerous similar initiatives in recent years, and expressed appreciation for the ministry’s support in facilitating such efforts. In 2024, various Indian community organizations collectively held over 50 blood donation drives across Kuwait, reflecting a broader trend of community involvement in health-related initiatives.
