The Maldivian Blood Services (MBS) has appealed to the public to donate blood during Ramadan, citing ongoing shortages in several blood groups.

MBS stated that B negative, A negative and AB negative blood types are currently in particularly short supply. While a number of institutions and companies have recently organised blood donation camps, supplies for certain groups remain limited.

Speaking to State media, Maldivian Blood Services Director General Ahmeem Farish said a shortage was experienced in January, prompting an appeal for public donations. Between 1 February and 17 February, 19 blood donation camps were conducted. These efforts helped ease the shortage to some extent, but rare blood groups continue to be in low supply.

Farish noted that participation levels at donation camps remain lower than required. With some blood groups consistently in short supply, this may pose challenges in emergency situations where urgent transfusions are needed.

He added that the situation typically becomes more difficult during Ramadan, as the number of donors tends to decline during the fasting month.

Individuals wishing to donate blood during Ramadan may do so at Maldives Blood Services and Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH) between 9:00 am and 11:30 am, and from 8:00 pm until 1:00 am.

MBS has requested prospective donors to contact the MBS laboratory hotline at 9890991 before visiting to confirm details. Those donating blood specifically for thalassaemia patients are also asked to inform staff at the donation centre.