On 5 October 2015, H.R.H. Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, Crown Princess of the Kingdom of Thailand, handed over a blood service bus to H.E. Dr. Sai Mauk Kham, Vice President of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, in support of blood transfusion service to help ensure sufficient blood supply for the whole country in time of need.

In Her remarks, H.R.H. the Princess highlighted the importance of blood transfusion to save lives so that people who need blood can live longer and contribute more to their society, and this was a reason that Thailand gave “this special gift” to Myanmar as a symbol of friendship and caring hearts from Thailand to help Myanmar friends.  With higher level of development, the demand for blood is also increasing from emerging risks, such as road accidents, poor working environment, and even new lifestyle at home. Advanced medical technology nowadays will save more lives but can only be realized with quality blood service.  Thus, it is hoped that this bus, the first of its kind in Myanmar, will be fully utilized by the National Blood Centre to better reach out to potential blood donors and more lives can be saved for the benefit of everyone.

H.E. Dr. Sai Mauk Kham expressed in his thank you speech the appreciation and gratitude of the Myanmar Government, not only for this bus, but also previous support rendered to the National Blood Centre in the past as Myanmar also attached importance to improvement of health sector, including the blood transfusion service which started in 1930s in Myanmar.  Myanmar people shared the same belief as Thai people that giving blood is giving life so both countries supported this noble mission and this bus would help serve that commendable cause.

  Afterwards, H.R.H. the Princess and the Vice President went on the bus to see its facilities which are equipped with 6 reclining seats, 2 refrigerators to store blood bags, Biomixers, other medical instruments, working station for nurses, and power generators. 

          This blood service bus is sponsored Neighouring Countries Economic Development Cooperation Agency (NEDA), and is fully equipped with high standard and modern equipment, as advised by and modelled after the buses used by the Thai Red Cross Society.  This bus is a testimony of Thailand’s commitment to and continued support for the Myanmar Government and the National Blood Centre for their noble humanitarian mission