Ahmedabad is currently facing a critical blood shortage, with blood banks in the city reporting a significant drop in donations this summer. The decline, which amounts to a staggering 65-70%, is causing serious difficulties for patients requiring treatment in local hospitals.
Blood donation camps, organized by numerous entities across the city, have unfortunately not received the expected response. This annual challenge is attributed to the onset of summer and vacation season, which typically sees a dip in donations.
Sources from a private blood bank reveal that the usual monthly collection ranges from 3500 to 4500 units of blood. However, the current situation is dire, with only 1250 to 1500 units being collected per month. This represents a shortage of 65-70% in both public and private blood banks across Ahmedabad.
The Ahmedabad Civil Hospital recently issued a public plea for blood donations, citing an acute shortage of AB+ blood. Similar shortages have been reported at Sola Civil Hospital. Shardaben Hospital has some AB+ and B+ blood in stock and is struggling with insufficient supply. The blood center at L.G. Hospital is also feeling the pinch of the crisis, which is affecting government, private and trust-managed hospitals citywide.
In response to the crisis, blood banks are making concerted efforts to reach out to regular donors and volunteers, especially those who donate for thalassemia patients requiring frequent transfusions. Social media has become a vital tool in this endeavor, with individuals seeking blood donors for their hospitalized relatives. Medical professionals continue to stress the importance of blood donation, reminding the public that a single donation can potentially save three lives.
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