Blood donation camps held across city to plug shortage

Data from SBTC shows the city requires 900 blood units each day for surgeries and blood transfusions. (Representational Image)

After facing an acute blood shortage for several days, government hospitals across the city have conducted blood donation camps.  “Instructions have been issued by the SBTC (State Blood Transfusion Council) to arrange voluntary blood donation camps with the assistance of social, religious organisations and big corporate houses,” the council said Monday.

Mumbai, data from SBTC shows, requires 900 blood units each day for surgeries and blood transfusions.  On November 9, data showed, KEM hospital had 90 units, JJ had 75, Nair had 50 and Sion blood bank had 70 units
of blood. Patients had said even the most common blood groups  such as A+ and B+ were  not available. KEM, Sion, Nair, Wadia, JJ, and St George hospitals organised voluntary blood donation camps Sunday.

Similar blood donation camps were held in five colleges and several railway stations Monday. According to the SBTC, the city collected 22,850 units of blood through 59 blood banks in October. Officials said a record of blood units was made in l of the three days and a stock of 2,500-3,000 blood units was found.

“If non-availability of blood is brought to the notice of the SBTC, the council will arrange to transfer blood from other
blood banks in Mumbai,” said an SBTC official, adding that they had not received any complaint from the patients
so far.