(Yangon, 15 June, 2017) – MPT employees in states and regions across the country have joined in solidarity with the public on World Blood Donor Day to give their donation.

Giving blood is a noble act that is of vital importance to the medical and emergency services. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), blood is an important resource for planned treatments and urgent interventions. It can help patients suffering from life-threatening conditions live longer and with a higher quality of life, and supports complex medical and surgical procedures. Blood is also vital for treating the wounded during emergencies of all kinds (natural disasters, accidents, armed conflicts, etc.) and has an essential, life-saving role in maternal and perinatal care.

In Myanmar, MPT encouraged its staff and its customers to make a contribution. They turned out in their hundreds at blood donation centres in Yangon, Mandalay and also made significant donations in the other regional cities including Bago, Magwe, Sagaing, Shan, Ayerwaddy, Kaya, Thanintharyi and Kayin.

Mr. Yoshiaki Benino, Chief Operating Officer for MPT KSGM Joint Operations said “On behalf of MPT, I would like to thank everyone who donated their time and their blood today at many centres around the country. This is our second time donating blood as a team, as we have organized a blood drive in commemoration of Union Day and General Aung San’s birthday back in February this year, in Yangon. We are pleased to be expanding our efforts to include many other areas this time.”

“Giving blood, and giving often, can save lives. I hope that people have used World Blood Donor Day to also raise awareness of the importance of giving blood all year round,” added Mr. Benino.

MPT would also like to strongly urge people to donate valuable blood often and at any time throughout the year. People can locate their nearest blood donation centre by visiting https://www.donatebloodmyanmar.org/