MANY people were unable to donate blood due to low hemoglobin count during the blood donation campaign organised by the Malaysian Red Crescent Society, Island Chapter in Penang on Saturday.

Despite the setback, campaign organizer Mr. Kong Shih Hao said the event was met with a generally good response by the public.  “We targeted the non-Muslim donors to support the campaign since the Muslims are fasting,” he said.

However, he said low haemoglobin count had prevented more from donating.

A doctor who wished to remain anonymous said one of the main factors contributing to low hemoglobin count was unhealthy diet.  “Iron is important for maintaining the hemoglobin level in the body. One has to consume food that is high in iron like spinach, liver and lean red meat. Caffeine should also be taken less as it reduces the absorption of iron from food,” she said.

The event was held to replenish the supply at the Penang Hospital blood bank which is usually low during the Ramadan month.  The campaign, themed Mid-Autumn Ramadan Blood Donation was held at Sunshine Square in Bayan Baru, Penang.

Sales representative Lee Boon Hooi, 31, said he had donated 18 pints of blood since he became a donor in 2002. “It’s all for a good cause and I’m glad that I could help,” he said.

Another sales representative Rahim Jusoh, 42, was also seen donating blood during the lunch hour break.