Welcome Speech by Adj Prof (Dr) Raymond Chua, Chief Executive Officer, Health Sciences Authority, at the 80th Anniversary of the National Blood Programme, 15 April 2026

Mr Ong Ye Kung, Minister for Health and Coordinating Minister for Social Policies

Professor Benjamin Ong, Chairman, Health Sciences Authority

Ms Emily Tan and Ms Tan Poh Hong, Vice-Chairmen, Singapore Red Cross

Mr Benjamin William, Secretary-General, Singapore Red Cross

Donors and Distinguished Guests

1       Good morning everyone. Very happy to see so many of you here today. We appreciate you making time to join us as we mark the 80^th anniversary of Singapore’s National Blood Programme.

Gratitude and Recognition

2       This significant milestone would not have been possible without the commitment from each of you.

a.      To all our dedicated donors, we’re grateful for your precious contributions to our National Blood Programme. Some of you here with us today even began this journey in the mid-1950s. You are an inspiration to all of us.

b.      Our partners and blood advocates who champion this cause within your organisations and communities. Because of your support, you have inspired many to donate blood and made regular donation possible in your community.

c.      To all our selfless volunteers who serve at our Bloodbanks, mobile drives and events with steadfast commitment. Thank you for being the friendly face and helpful hand we can always count on.

d.      We are also fortunate to have supportive media partners who have amplified our message and raised awareness about the importance of blood donation. You have approached us proactively whenever you notice blood stocks are low, asking how you can help us call for donors. Your platforms have been critical in mobilising public support swiftly to save lives.

e.      We are thankful for our overseas counterparts from the Asia Pacific Blood Network (APBN) and Sanquin Blood Supply Foundation of the Netherlands, who have been generous in sharing their knowledge and best practices on both scientific and operational fronts. These partnerships have enriched our understanding and enhanced our capabilities in serving our community.

f.       And to the Singapore Red Cross, our gratitude goes to you for your dedicated efforts in connecting with donors and building collaborations. In 2001, when HSA was formed, SRC was there with us as our partner for the National Blood Programme. This year, as HSA marks our 25^th anniversary, we are grateful that SRC continues to journey with us. Together, we have grown a strong community of life-savers and ensured the sustainability of our nation’s blood supply.

3       Each of you represents a vital thread in the fabric of our National Blood Programme. Your collective dedication has created a sustainable system that saves lives and gives hope to countless families. A big thank you to all!

4       Behind the scenes, HSA works hard with every one of you to ensure your efforts, especially the precious resource of blood, always adds to this big picture of care. I would like to commend my colleagues from the Blood Services Group, who execute their work with care, and always perform at the highest standards. This includes our nurses and Bloodbank staff who consistently provide the finest service to every donor. Our laboratory staff who work 24/7, making sure that we are always ready to respond to any clinical need. Thank you all for your dedication!

5       Their professionalism over the years have earned international recognition that we can all be proud of. In 1992, the World Health Organisation designated Singapore as their Collaborating Centre for Transfusion Medicine of the Western Pacific region. For more than 30 years, Singapore has been recognised for our consistently high standards in ensuring patient and donor safety. This recognition has allowed us to share our expertise across the region, training healthcare professionals from other countries and helping to raise standards throughout the Western Pacific.

6       Over the decades, we have continuously invested in better ways to keep blood safe. In 2000, we introduced Nucleic Acid Testing for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) as well as Hepatitis C Virus. This test reduces the chance for early infections to go undetected. We didn't stop there. We expanded our testing to include Hepatitis B in 2004 and Hepatitis E in 2021. This ensures our blood stocks are always safe for use, when they reach those who need them.

7       We completed a transformative change in February this year, with the new RFID-enabled Next-Gen Blood Supply Management System. Now, every private and public hospital in Singapore is connected to HSA in real-time. This allows us to have real-time visibility of our national blood stock. If the blood stock is close to critical volume, alerts will be triggered to HSA. This allows HSA to make timely calls for blood donations and mobilise blood supply to ensure it goes to where it’s needed urgently.

8       A special acknowledgement to all the hospitals represented here today. Your partnership in implementing this system has been extraordinary, and it represents the kind of collaboration that makes Singapore's healthcare system world-class.

A Journey That Continues

9       As we celebrate this milestone, I am filled with gratitude and hope. Gratitude for everything you have given—your blood, your commitment, your partnership. Hope, because I know that the same passion that has sustained us through 80 years will propel us forward to meet whatever challenges lie ahead.

10     Happy 80th Anniversary to Singapore's National Blood Programme—and thank you for being the heart and soul of this remarkable journey. 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.