Pune is reeling under an acute blood deficit presently with meager donations on the recent Republic Day celebrations exacerbating matters. Several blood banks now have stocks to barely suffice 3-4 days versus 10-15 days usually even as shortages for A+, B+ and O+ groups worsen.
Donation camps during national events like January 26, August 15, Gandhi Jayanti typically shore up reserves significantly. But officials report only 40 camps this Republic Day – nearly half the usual numbers. This resulted in fewer collection bags too, hurting overall inventories already in red.
Long Weekend, Health Issues Affect Turnout
Experts cite the extended holiday weekend alongside rises in illnesses for lackluster turnout from willing donors across donation drives held by NGOs and health camps. The average annual requirement can spike upto 200 bags monthly for a single modest bank in the city.
With scarce volumes, relatives of patients are now compelled to seek replacement donors urgently or offer compensatory replacements to obtain rare groups for loved ones. The crisis has forced blood banks to contact each other unsuccessfully owing to common shortfalls plaguing all.
Metro Blood Bank Left With Just 18 Bags
As per Dr Nisha Teli, Blood Transfusion Officer at Aundh’s Metro Blood Bank, they are left with just 1 unit of high-demand B+ blood and 17 bags overall presently, badly insufficient to satisfy awaited and emergency disbursal needs of recipients admitted across associated healthcare establishments.
The widening gap between demand and sparse supply has created major headaches for patients, doctors and blood blank operators alike in Pune currently. All now bank on impromptu donation drives by proactive citizens to easing pressures until conditions normalize.
