Appeal for blood donations as reserves fall
The National Blood Centre of the Thai Red Cross Society has appealed for blood donations from the public due to its low reserves even as demand for blood from hospitals nationwide has risen to 2,600-3,000 units per day. The shortage of blood is forcing many patients to postpone surgery.
Dr Chaivej Nuchprayoon, Thai Red Cross Society assistant secretary-general and National Blood Centre acting director, revealed that since October 1 the amount of blood reserves at the National Blood Centre was very low due to the decreasing number of blood donors, while hospitals nationwide were demanding more blood.
“We expect to receive 2,000-2,500 units of blood from donors a day, but we receive only 1,500-1,700 units per day,” he said. “Currently this problem has caused many patients to delay surgery, especially children with blood disorders such as Thalassemia and Hemophilia that require a lot and continuous amount of blood transfusion throughout life.”
“More than 160 hospitals nationwide request 2,600-3,000 units of blood a day, while the National Blood Centre is able to send only 1,600-2,000 units or 60 per cent. As a result, hospitals have to delay surgery for some patients,” he said.
Chaivej said people can donate blood at the National Blood Centre, Thai Red Cross Society; The Blood and Plasma Donations Centre, The Thai Red Cross Health Station No 11 Wiset Niyom, Bangkae; Regional Blood Centres Nationwide; Blood Service Unit and Hua Hin Red Cross Chaloem Phra Kiat Station.
“You can contact the public relations and Blood Donor Recruitment Division, 02256 4300, 02263 9600-99 ext-1101, 1760, 1761 for more information,” he added