Blood demand declines by 20 per cent, collection by 80 per cent

Nagpur, Oct 15

Apart from the decline of 20 per cent in the demand of blood, the blood collection has also reduced by 80 per cent amid Covid pandemic. This is the reason as to why blood bank is demanding blood of any group while providing the blood to needy patients. Another big reason is that blood donation camps could not be held during Covid pandemic due to several restrictions. Therefore, due to this blood banks are not being able to compile the blood and save it as before.

Due to the effect of infection, even healthy people did not reach the blood donation centers due to fear. At the same time, who is a Covid patient, due to this difficulty, the collection was affected. The family of the needy patients were worried for blood. In this regard, Dr Harish Varbhe of Lifeline Blood Bank said that about 50 blood donation camps were held every month and 3000 donors used to reach there. During the lockdown period only 5 camps were organised and only 20 people gave blood. Thalassemia patients require regular blood. Our organisation has adopted 129 child patients to give blood to them.

Covid patients can donate blood after 28 days of recovery

“Patients who have Covid positive can donate blood 28 days after recovery and plasma after 14 days. They can give plasma again after 15 days. The lives of two patients can be saved through plasma obtained from one person. Nagpur is the most secure plasma test (RBD 640 proof) in the country.”

Dr Harish Varbhe

Balance declines

“The balance of saving of in the blood bank in the blood banks has reduced compared to earlier days. Due to the closure of the colleges in March, April, there is always a decrease in blood collection. This time the impact and lockdown of Covid was also affected. This time the colleges have not been opened yet. Because of this, blood is still low in banks. However, there is no problem in providing blood on demand.”

Dr Sangeeta Mehta, BTO, State Blood Transfusion Council