KUWAIT CITY, June 14:  Minister of Health Dr. Ahmad Al-Awadhi reaffirmed Kuwait’s commitment to advancing its blood transfusion system by upgrading infrastructure, enhancing the training of medical and technical personnel, and expanding the national blood donor base.

Speaking to reporters at the Cooperative Blood Transfusion Center in Adan during the launch of a blood donation campaign organized by the Indian community in honor of World Donor Day, Dr. Al-Awadhi emphasized the importance of voluntary blood donation.

“Blood donation is not merely a medical procedure; it is a profound expression of compassion, civic responsibility, and societal solidarity in the face of health challenges,” the minister stated.

He noted that June 14 each year is observed globally to honor voluntary, unpaid blood donors whose contributions save lives and improve patient outcomes. This year's campaign, organized by the Indian Doctors Forum in the presence of the Indian Ambassador to Kuwait, aims to promote a culture of voluntary blood donation as a civic duty.

Dr. Al-Awadhi highlighted the 2025 World Donor Day theme, “Donate Blood – Give Hope – Our Blood Together Saves Lives,” underscoring its message of hope and unity. He praised the national Blood Bank’s efforts, which collected over 90,000 donations last year and produced nearly 150,000 blood units and more than 190,000 blood products.

He extended his appreciation to all blood donors and volunteers, emphasizing Kuwait’s continued leadership in humanitarian and healthcare initiatives.

Indian Ambassador Dr. Adarsh Swaika also addressed the media, stating that the campaign was organized in collaboration with the Indian Doctors Forum to instill the values of blood donation and highlight its lifesaving impact.

He commended the support of Dr. Al-Awadhi and praised the deepening health sector ties between India and Kuwait. “The Indian community, one of the largest in Kuwait, is proud to contribute actively to health and environmental causes—from blood donation drives to beach cleanups and afforestation,” he added.

Dr. Hanan Al-Awadhi, Supervisor of Medical Services and Acting Director of the Blood Transfusion Services Department, noted that this marks the second consecutive year the Indian Embassy has partnered with the Indian Doctors Forum for such a campaign. She estimated participation by around 200 donors this year.

She lauded the contributions of Indian donors and volunteers from over 75 nationalities residing in Kuwait, all of whom regularly donate out of a shared belief in the importance of saving lives. Dr. Hanan stressed the role of such campaigns in strengthening Kuwait’s strategic blood reserve and reaffirmed the ongoing need for donations to meet patient demand across hospitals.