The South African National Blood Service (SANBS) is going digital to improve the donor experience at blood donor centres nationwide.
With less than 1% of South Africans actively donating blood, the SANBS is committed to enhancing blood donation processes and attracting new donors, particularly the youth, to bolster the blood donor pool.
In preparation for the digitalisation of the donor experience and addressing the critical need for blood donations, the SANBS has been hosting enhanced blood donation drives nationally since 16 October.
This effort will be continued until Friday, 3 November.
These blood donation drives aim to maintain adequate blood stocks in the run-up to the temporary closure of donor centres on 5 and 6 November.
On these days, the SANBS will prepare its back-end system to introduce the digital medical questionnaire at all donor centres.
To further ensure that donors can give the gift of life at their convenience, during the enhanced donation period the SANBS will extend operating hours until 19:00 at all donor centres – on weekdays and weekends.
From Monday, 23 October, until Friday, 3 November, donors may donate blood at the Kroonstad Donor Centre on weekdays from 09:00 to 19:00 and on Saturdays from 09:00 to 14:00.
“The SANBS is moving towards digitalisation, as we understand that to attract and inspire a new generation of donors we need to leverage the power of technology,” said Siemi Prithvi-Raj, SANBS executive for transfusion donor services and marketing.
“Digitalising donation centres will ensure operational efficiencies and streamline the SANBS’ administration processes by using modern customer relationship management systems to ensure donors enjoy an optimised experience.
“The automated questionnaire will further assist in flagging potential issues in real time, ensuring improved donor and blood safety,” Prithvi-Raj added.
Ravi Reddy, the chief executive officer (CEO) of the SANBS, says they encourage donors, especially the youth of South Africa, to help them make this a smooth transition by getting behind the enhanced donation drives and donating in their numbers.
To be eligible to donate blood, one must be between the ages of 16 and 75, weigh more than 50 kg and be in good health.
If you meet these requirements, find your nearest donor centre by visiting the donor centre map on the SANBS website, or dialling 080-011-9031.
Also follow the SANBS’ official social media accounts on X (@theSANBS), Facebook (@SANBS) and Instagram (@thesanbs).
Visit the Kroonstad Blood Donor Centre at the Checkers Centre for more information, or to donate blood.
