In 1946, Singapore’s first Bloodbank opened its doors, collecting just 287 units of blood in its first year. Eight decades on, the modest beginning has grown into a nationwide effort, with five Bloodbanks collecting nearly 130,000 units of blood annually.

This milestone was commemorated at the National Cancer Centre Singapore, where blood donors, volunteers, partners and staff gathered to celebrate 80 years of giving blood.

The event opened with an LED drum performance to mark the occasion. Guest of Honour Minister for Health and Coordinating Minister for Social Policies, Mr Ong Ye Kung, was joined by Health Sciences Authority (HSA) Chairman Professor Benjamin Ong and CEO Adjunct Professor (Dr) Raymond Chua, alongside Singapore Red Cross (SRC) Secretary General and CEO Mr Benjamin William and Vice-Chairpersons Ms Tan Poh Hong and Ms Emily Tan.

The Perpetual Need for Blood

In his welcome speech, HSA CEO Adjunct Professor Dr Raymond Chua reflected on the evolution of the National Blood Programme and the collective effort behind it — from blood donors and volunteers, to partners and staff. He also highlighted ongoing efforts to improve blood safety and improve donor experience through technology.

“We will continue to innovate, improve our operations and enhance the donor experience, making it more convenient and meaningful for donors to give blood. Remember, every single donation has the power to save up to three lives. We look forward to continuing this life-saving mission with you in years to come.”

Guest of Honour Minister for Health and Coordinating Minister for Social Policies, Mr Ong Ye Kung, echoed these sentiments in his address, expressing appreciation to generations of donors and partners who have sustained Singapore’s blood supply. He also highlighted a pressing challenge ahead, where demand for blood is expected to rise, but donor numbers may not keep pace

“Today, we are still in a fairly ok position where the supply of blood donations is higher than the demand, generally over the course of the year. But the demand curve is pointing up, while the supply curve is pointing down. In seven years’ time, the two curves will cross, and that is when demand is projected to outstrip supply.”

To address this, he outlined key priorities which include expanding the donor pool, making blood donation more accessible, better recognising blood donors, and strengthening outreach to younger donors.

Honouring Lifelong Donors

A key highlight of the event was the recognition of dedicated donors who have each donated blood at least 250 times. Among them were Mr Lim Kim Koon and Mr Philip Tan, who have each made over 345 donations, and Mr Mohamed Tahir Mohamed Yusof and Dr Sadali Bin Rasban, who have been donating for nearly 45 years, clocking close to 300 donations each.

Their extraordinary commitment underscores the powerful impact of regular blood donation, with each unit of blood saving three lives.

‘80 for 80’ Blood Donation Marathon

The event also marked the launch of ‘80 for 80’ Blood Donation Marathon, a nationwide initiative encouraging organisations to rally their staff in support of the national blood supply. By calling on 80 organisations to each mobilise at least 80 donors, the movement aims to build a sustained culture of giving to strengthen Singapore’s blood donor pool.