Nexhat Zariqi is an experienced blood donor who took part today in the voluntary blood donation drive at the Main Family Medicine Center in Mitrovica.
He said that he has been donating blood since his time in the military and has so far made this humanitarian gesture 101 times.
“Since May when I started until now, I don’t know – maybe I’m the oldest donor in Mitrovica in this regard. I’ve donated 101 times. It feels good; you feel lighter. Whoever is able, why not come and donate?” said Zariqi.
The blood donation drive was organized by the Kosovo Blood Transfusion Institute, specifically the unit operating within the Mitrovica Regional Hospital.
According to the organizers, citizen turnout was higher compared to previous years.
The director of the Main Family Medicine Center (MFMC) in Mitrovica, Fevzi Sylejmani, told KosovaPress that as a primary healthcare institution, they are aware of the importance of blood donation and have actively contributed to making the event as successful as possible.
“We knew the importance of donating blood and participated actively to make this activity successful. According to the head of the organizing team, things went better than in previous years – there’s a higher interest among citizens, and we hope that by the end of the day the number of donors will continue to grow,” said Sylejmani.
He added that this is a traditional event usually held once a year, with the schedule set by the Blood Transfusion Institute in Pristina.
Meanwhile, transfusion doctor Arta Kalludra called on all healthy citizens to donate blood.
“We invite all those who are healthy and have some free time to join us in this blood donation drive. It’s a noble mission to help patients in need,” she said, adding that this is the second time the event has been organized at the MFMC.
She explained that although blood donations take place daily across Kosovo through various health institutions and organizations, such drives within family medicine centers are still a relatively new practice.
According to her, while public participation is good, there is always room for improvement. “I believe that over time, people will become more aware, and the number of donors will increase,” she said.
Kalludra also emphasized that the blood donation procedure takes no more than 10 to 15 minutes, and that healthy individuals aged 18 to 65 can donate without any problem.
“All blood groups are needed, but naturally, the ones most common in the population are also the most in demand among patients. For example, the O positive group is the most widespread, and therefore the most requested,” she told KosovaPress.
Among the donors were also citizens who see the act as a moral and human obligation.
Valdete Idrizi, a citizen, said she feels grateful for her health and that donating blood is the least she can do to help someone else.
“It’s a good feeling. First, I’m thankful for my health. Donate blood, save lives. It feels good knowing your blood can help someone and maybe even save their life,” she said.
The blood donation drive started at 12:00 p.m. and continued until 3:00 p.m.