The National Blood Transfusion Unit at G'Mangia has just acquired new equipment which will make it possible to store rare blood types for up to 10 years.

Freshly appointed Minister for Health, Mr Chris Fearne said this to the media after a visit to the National Blood Transfusion Unit.

He explained that on average, the blood bank receives more than 18,000 donations each year and every donation can help three individuals.

Some 5,600 people donate blood every year, with the number remaining almost the same for the last five years. However, this year, there were some 600 new donators who contributed generously to the cause.

"I did not come here this morning to announce something new, but to call on the Maltese citizens to be generous and donate blood whenever possible."

The Minister said that, coincidentally, Parliament this evening will discuss the second reading of a document regarding organ donation.