Monday, Aug 22, 2016

Abu Dhabi: Abu Dhabi-based health-care giant NMC has an unusual annual tradition — a company-wide blood donation drive on the chief executive’s birthday.

On the occasion late last week, 310 employees from across the firm’s multiple divisions donated a total of 139.5 litres of blood.

The blood donated by NMC’s staff went to a central blood bank in the capital, which is overseen by two Abu Dhabi government bodies. There, it is tested for diseases and, once cleared, stored until it is required.

Abu Dhabi’s central blood bank “has always been supportive towards NMC so we show our appreciation for their support through these drives”, said Dr C.R. Shetty, the company’s group medical director.

The average adult has roughly 5 litres of blood in their body. The average blood transfusion requires approximately 1.4 litres of blood. In most medical situations, less than half a litre of blood can save up to three lives.

NMC claims to be Abu Dhabi’s leading private sector health-care operator.

The group, which started its operations in the country in the 1970s, has a network of hospitals in the UAE and Europe consisting of more than 30 health-care facilities across five countries. The firm caters to over 11,000 patients per day, and employs more than 1,200 doctors.

NMC also supplies consumer products across the country.

Staff Report

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