Blood shortage after long Dashain holiday prompts Red Cross donation appeal

Nepal Red Cross Society has made a special appeal to the public to donate blood after donation programs could not be held during the long Dashain holiday. No blood donation drives were organized at the Central Blood Transfusion Service during the holidays, even as demand for blood from hospital patients has been rising daily.

According to Dr. Prakash Yadav, head of the Central Blood Transfusion Service, stocks of all blood groups at the centre have run out, including whole blood, packed red blood cells (PRBC) and PRP. He said this has made it difficult to arrange the blood patients need.

He urged volunteers who last donated blood three months ago, as well as healthy young people aged 18 and above, to come forward. Society president Dr. Bishal Kumar Bhandari said blood donation programs decline during festivals when offices and educational institutions are closed, making it harder to ensure an adequate supply, and called on volunteer donors for support.

Meanwhile, on Wednesday, the Asan Seva Samiti organized a blood donation program in Asan Tol and Sundhara with cooperation from Kathmandu Metropolitan City and technical support from the Red Cross. The Red Cross has asked anyone needing blood, or wishing to donate, to contact the Central Blood Transfusion Service.