On Thursday, October 23, 2025, a group of second- and third-year students from the Anesthesia Techniques Department at Cihan University–Erbil visited the Blood Bank in Erbil.
During the visit, supervised by Assistant Lecturer Noor Al-Huda Iyad Ibrahim, the students were warmly received by Dr. Runak Abdulrahman, a senior biology specialist and Head of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) at the Blood Bank Directorate. Dr. Runak then guided the students on a tour of the specialized halls and laboratories of the Blood Bank. During the tour, the students learned about all stages of blood handling—from donation and collection to its separation into primary components such as red blood cells, plasma, and platelets. She provided detailed explanations of the mechanisms for blood preservation and transfusion according to patients’ medical needs. She also discussed how blood components are used to treat various conditions, including anemia, hemorrhage, and hereditary blood disorders.
Additionally, Dr. Runak explained that the governmental Blood Bank in Erbil serves as the sole central authority responsible for supplying blood and its essential components to both governmental and non-governmental hospitals. This role is crucial for saving patients’ lives and ensuring the continuity of medical services throughout the governorate.
Finally, Assistant Lecturer Noor Al-Huda, on behalf of Asst. Prof. Dr. Muhsin Alghezzi, Head of the Anesthesia Techniques Department at Cihan University–Erbil, expressed gratitude to the Blood Bank and its administrative staff, especially Dr. Runak for providing the students with this opportunity and for explaining the Blood Bank’s operations.
