KUALA LUMPUR, April 16 -- Donating blood is a selfless act that many may not realise is crucial for a country's healthcare system.

Your blood is essential to help patients survive surgeries, operations, cancer treatments, chronic illnesses and traumatic injuries.

Blood storage and the importance of donation

Blood donation provides essential components such as red and white blood cells, platelets and plasma, all of which play a vital role in medical treatments.

Cancer patients, for instance, often require transfusions to replenish platelets after undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy.

Since these treatments can compromise bone marrow function, leading to reduced blood cell production, transfusions help prevent complications tha...