Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) has launched the national organ and blood donation campaign. Being run for the seventh consecutive year, it will continue throughout Ramadan, concluding by the Eid holidays. 
The campaign was formally launched by HMC and the Al Faisal Without Borders Foundation (Alf). It was opened by Alf founder and chairman HE Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim al-Thani at City Center Doha on Thursday evening. 
Ministry of Public Health's Healthcare Communications Committee chair as well as HMC's chief communications officer Ali al-Khater, and Alf general manager Abdullatif Ali al-Yafei were among those present at the ceremony.
Sheikh Faisal said, “Alf has always been a key partner with HMC in important campaigns which encourage the public to donate blood and consider registering as an organ donor. The blood donation campaign fosters a culture of voluntary blood donation by educating the public on the importance of blood donation and how it can make a positive impact on the lives of many patients.”
“This year, we have planned a variety of fun and interactive activities, including storytelling and educational activities at the Alf pavilion. We are focusing on promoting humanitarian values through being a good corporate citizen and our pavilion will introduce visitors to a number of important concepts such a recycling,” he added.
Al-Khater said, “We feel honoured to co-operate with Alf each year in delivering the organ and blood donation campaigns. On behalf of HMC I wish to thank HE Sheikh Faisal and Alf for their ongoing support. I also wish to thank and acknowledge everyone who has supported these campaigns and I hope others will be inspired to donate and give the gift of life.”
In addition to the Alf pavilion, HMC will have an organ donation registration booth located at City Center Doha. Staffed by Qatar Organ Donation Center, representatives, booths have also been set up in shopping malls and other prominent locations around the country. Trained staff working at the booths will provide information about becoming a registered organ donor. The campaign will also provide members of the public with an opportunity to ask questions about organ transplantation. Individuals who are interested in becoming a donor will be able to register at the booths and receive their donor card on the spot. 
Prof Riadh Fadhil, director of the Qatar Organ Donation Center at HMC, said its main objective was to increase awareness within the community about organ donation, increase the number of registered donors, and help correct misconceptions about organ donation. 
“An organ transplant can be a life-saving procedure and can significantly improve the quality of life for someone with chronic organ failure. In Qatar, it is possible for a suitable living donor to donate a kidney or part of their liver to a relative. In addition to kidney and liver transplantation programmes, Qatar also has stem cell and cornea transplantation programmes and a pancreas transplantation programme is under development,” said Prof Fadhil. 
“We need more donors to register in Qatar so no one has to face losing a loved one while they are waiting for an organ. Achieving self-sufficiency in organ donation as a society cannot be achieved without community solidarity," added Prof Fadhil.

Where to donate

Locations of organ and blood donation registration booths: City Center Doha, Gulf Mall, Villagio Mall, Safari Mall, Grand Mall, Al Meera outlets, Ansar Gallery, Quality Hypermarkets, Al Mirqab Mall, Al Khor Mall, Lulu Hypermarket Gharrafa, Ezdan Malls, Family Food Center outlets, Dar Al Salam, Hyatt Plaza, Al Attia Market.
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