Mumbai: Acute Blood Shortage in Government Hospitals Leaves Patients and Thalassemia Cases Struggling

A shortage of blood in government hospital blood banks across Mumbai has been causing serious difficulties for patients, including those suffering from thalassemia. Due to the unavailability of several blood groups, patients’ relatives are being forced to approach private blood banks, leading to higher financial costs.

In recent days, multiple government hospital blood banks have reported low stock levels, making it difficult to meet patient demand. Even commonly required blood group A is reportedly in short supply in several hospitals.

Current Blood Stock in Major Hospitals

• KEM Hospital: 65 units (daily requirement: 100–129 units)

• St. George’s Hospital: 4 units (daily requirement: 10–15 units)

• Rajawadi Hospital: 46 units

• Indian Red Cross: 3 units

• JJ Hospital Blood Bank: 44 units

• GT Hospital: 20 units

• Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Hospital (Kandivali Shatabdi): 13 units

• Cama Hospital: 21 units

• Bandra Bhabha Hospital: 16 units

Hospital authorities say this stock is insufficient to meet daily requirements and the needs of patients, especially those requiring regular transfusions.

Patients with conditions like thalassemia and sickle cell disease require blood transfusions every 15 to 20 days. Doctors warn that continued shortages could seriously affect emergency care and ongoing treatment for such patients.

Experts point out that blood donation camps usually drop during April and May due to exams and summer vacations, as many people travel to their hometowns. This leads to a seasonal decline in donations every year.

Despite this, the State Blood Transfusion Council claims that there is no actual shortage. It stated that Maharashtra has a stock of 35,942 blood units, while Mumbai alone has 5,110 units available in blood banks, which it considers sufficient to meet demand.

Authorities have assured that efforts are being made to ensure patients do not face inconvenience.