Give blood during summer months when donations are low

The Central Blood Bank in Bausher (DBBS) has called for donors to come forward and donate blood units due to increasing demand and a significant drop in blood donations during the summer months.

The DBBS has urged donors to help save lives as the country requires a substantial amount of blood units, especially during the summer when blood supplies decrease as people go on holiday, yet the need for blood remains constant.

"There is a shortage of blood units due to the decreasing number of donors during the summer, and we, at the Department of Blood Bank Services, would like to encourage everyone to donate blood during these summer months," an official from the DBBS said.

"Volunteer donors are the sole source of blood supplies for patients with conditions such as sickle cell anaemia, road traffic accident victims, or maternity needs," he added.

Anyone who meets the eligibility criteria can donate blood from 8 am to 8 pm, Saturday to Thursday, and from 8 am to 2 pm on Friday at the Bausher Blood Bank.

To book a slot and participate in the national blood donation drive, individuals can call or WhatsApp 94555648, or dial 24591255.

According to Ministry of Health statistics, the daily demand for blood units in all hospitals and clinics is around 150 units, compared to an average supply of 100 units in other months, representing an increase of nearly 40 per cent.

The demand for blood and its components has been steadily rising, with an average increase of 10 to 15 per cent and in recent years, a fourfold increase, according to the CBB.

Cases that require blood units or components include surgeries, road traffic accidents, workplace/home accidents, malignant blood diseases, bone marrow failure, genetic blood diseases, cancerous tumours and childbirth.

"Volunteers are encouraged to organise more blood donation camps, some of which are organised by the DBBS, while others are in cooperation with private organisations. However, the demand for blood units continues to rise due to these medical circumstances," the official said.

Additionally, the department has organised many blood donation campaigns in collaboration with various authorities. In 2023, over 350 blood donation campaigns were conducted.