Debated in Parliament on 9 May 2022.
Dr Lim Wee Kiak asked the Minister for Health (a) whether the additional pre-screening measures for blood donations that are implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic will remain or be reviewed; and (b) what are the plans to bring back mobile blood donation drives.
The pre-screening measures implemented by the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) are reviewed regularly to align with the latest safe management measures (SMMs). After the most recent review on 19 April 2022, the COVID-19 travel-related deferral was removed. For now, HSA will retain the pre-screening criteria to defer those with close contact with COVID-19 infected persons, and with respiratory symptoms, fever and COVID-19 infections.
Mobile blood donation drives continued to be conducted regularly during the pandemic. The number and frequency were reduced, due to the inability of some companies to organise blood mobile drives at their premises. In such instances, arrangements were made for donors to donate blood at HSA's blood collection centres. As SMMs are relaxed and more staff return to the workplace, engagement of corporate companies to host mobile drives will be stepped up.
PAPERCUTS