Singapore’s decision to raise the age limit for blood donors highlights a deeper issue: we need more people to step forward. But could changing how we think about blood donation make a difference?
In honesty, when it comes to donating for a cause, the resources that come to mind are relatively limited for me.
Money is all too common, easily given on days I feel I have more than enough of it, and when the news or a social media reel brings forth a group under distress.
My organs can go to those who need it after my death.
My blood is, interestingly, a fund I don’t think about.
But the idea of it was brought to the forefront when it was announced last month that Singapore’s Health Sciences Authority (HSA) will be raising the age limit for first-time blood donors.
Going into effect from January next year, the upper age limit will increase from 60 to 65, allowing Singapore to fall into rank alongside other societies like South Korea, Taiwan, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom when it comes to such donation guidelines.
Regardless, that such a move is necessary underscores an increasing demand for blood donation in the country, and the importance of being able to tap into a larger pool of potential donors.
On Singapore’s Blood Supply
A single unit of blood is enough to save three lives, so it’s thought-provoking to realise that the blood bank doesn’t always have a sufficient amount of it.
And whenever the stock runs low, it can lead to postponed treatments and surgeries – and the risk to life itself.
Regardless of whether the blood is available or not, an ageing population and heightening incidences of chronic conditions only means that the demand for it will continue to go up.
Just last year, blood transfusions were performed on over 35,000 patients for a variety of medical issues, including surgeries and cancer treatments, and even childbirth complications.
In particular, those with blood diseases, such as thalassaemia and myelofibrosis, need multiple transfusions to maintain their health.
“The frequency of blood transfusion for such patients can vary from every few days to weekly, monthly or quarterly, depending on the patient’s symptoms and haemoglobin level,” explained Associate Professor Tien Sim Leng, a senior consultant at the Department of Haematology in Singapore General Hospital, in HealthXchange.
Conversely, the amount of new blood donors is in a constant state of fluctuation. Their number has fallen from 20,000 in 2013, to roughly 18,000 last year. Worryingly, the percentage of youth donors has seen a rather consistent decrease in well over a decade; they comprised 15% of the total donor pool in 2023, a far cry from the 33% they formed in 2011.
Sustainability of Singapore’s Blood Supply
It calls into question the sustainability of the blood supply in the long-run.
Compounding the problem further is how the supply is in constant danger of facing a dip whenever the festive season comes around.
During the holiday periods, the healthcare system faces an understandable yet frustrating reality of our donors becoming busy with celebration plans or disappearing overseas – and then potentially returning with an illness that will push back their donation schedule further.
“For most people, blood donation may not be on their minds, especially if it’s not part of their routine,” said an HSA spokesman.
In addition, the HSA includes certain stipulations that further narrows the number of donors at any particular time. For example, I can’t immediately donate my blood if I’ve undergone an acupuncture session with a non-sterile and non-disposable needle, or if, as a woman, I’ve had sexual contact with a man I suspect to have had sex with another man. Both require a deferment on the donation of three months.
Ultimately, this makes blood a precious resource in frequent jeopardy of going scarce.
Structural Shifts Towards Improving the Situation
Fortunately, the recent move to raise the age limit seems to be a good step in the right direction.
According to a speech by Health Minister Ong Ye Kung, this change was made because of “life expectancy increases over the years”, as well as the fact that older folks actually show less adverse donor reactions as they age, thus making them a generally-healthy and more open-minded group to draw from.
This hasn’t been the only modification made to the guidelines. There was once a time when many potential donors were unable to give their blood due to a restriction intended to prevent the spread of variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (vCJD), or mad cow disease, which can unknowingly incubate in someone for decades.
This restriction was lifted two years ago for those willing to donate via apheresis, which means that components of their blood were collected while the rest of it was returned to them. This helps to significantly boost the supply of critical blood components, thus leading to improved patient outcomes.
However, perhaps more can be done from Singapore’s own individual citizens in improving the situation further.
The Need for a Change in Mindset
That youths haven’t been giving as much can be attributed to a variety of reasons, including misconceptions regarding the process, and even a valid fear of needles.
But beyond campaigning and education, maybe what us non-donors need is a different perspective on the situation.
So rather than seeing it as a completely altruistic act, it might be time to consider what makes donating a win-win.
For instance, one benefit we could attain is a boost to our overall wellbeing, since donating can purportedly reduce stress and other negative emotions, and promote better blood pressure and cardiovascular health.
Plus, checking our eligibility to donate requires that we undergo a mini health screening, which means certain hidden physical conditions could be highlighted to us for free.
Importantly, there’s a little peace of mind that comes with making a contribution to the blood bank, if fate should decide that it ends up with a family member in need.
If it’s my blood that increases their chances of survival, why not?
Read more
- Universal Donor Blood One Step Further to Reality with New Discovery
- Urgent Call for AB Blood Donors in Singapore
External References
- CNA. (2025, June 28). Singapore to raise age limit for first-time blood donors from 60 to 65. Retrieved from: https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/blood-donation-age-limit-first-time-donor-hsa-moh-ong-ye-kung-5208711
- Fang, C. S. (2023, June 17). Singapore eases blood donation restriction to expand donor pool. The Straits Times. Retrieved from: https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/singapore-eases-blood-donation-restriction-to-expand-donor-pool
- Fang, C. S. (2024, January 27). More youth blood donors needed for Singapore’s ageing population. The Straits Times. Retrieved from: https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/more-youth-blood-donors-needed-for-singapore-s-ageing-population
- Health Sciences Authority. (2024, September 24). Can I donate blood. Retrieved from: https://www.hsa.gov.sg/blood-donation/can-i-donate
- Ministry of Health. (2025, June 28). Speech by Mr Ong Ye Kung, Minister for Health and Coordinating Minister for Social Policies at World Blood Donor Day. Retrieved from: https://www.moh.gov.sg/newsroom/speech-by-mr-ong-ye-kung–minister-for-health-and-coordinating-minister-for-social-policies-at-world-blood-donor-day
- Nall, R. (2023, May 24). Advantages and disadvantages of donating blood. Medical News Today. Retrieved from: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/319366
- Poon, C. H. (2018, January 23). Various Uses of Donated Blood. HealthXchange. Retrieved from: https://www.healthxchange.sg/news/various-uses-of-donated-blood
- Santos-Longhurst, A. (2023, May 23). The Benefits of Donating Blood. Healthline. Retrieved from: https://www.healthline.com/health/benefits-of-donating-blood
- Shafeeq, S. (2025, June 28). First-time blood donor age limit to be raised from 60 to 65 from Jan 1: Ong Ye Kung. The Straits Times. Retrieved from: https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/first-time-blood-donor-age-limit-to-be-raised-from-60-to-65-from-jan-1-2026-ong-ye-kung
- Singapore Red Cross. (n.d.). Why Should I Donate Blood? Retrieved from: https://redcross.sg/give-blood/why-should-i-donate-blood.html
