Mumbai has been facing a blood crisis as it scrambles to scout for blood during the lockdown. Blood banks all over the city are drying up as the stocks have been used to exceedingly in the last couple of days. To make matters worse, the fear of Covid-19 has kept donors away from the hospitals. Donation camps and centres have also been called off the last minute by the police to ensure the safety of the people. In order to provide aid to the people, the government along with the activists have coupled up to organize smaller camps in housing societies to stock up the supply of blood.
Social workers have said that these camps could only store blood that would last up to 10 days. The main cause of concern remains that patient who requires regular blood transfusions would be suffering along with patients whose surgeries were postponed at the beginning of the lockdown which would be scheduled again.
An official from the State Blood Transfusion Council (SBTC) recently spoke to the media talking about the hurdles that they were facing. The SBTC has been trying to reach out to housing societies, NSS units and even activating mobile vans for collection and storage of blood. The official stated that this problem is not unique to the city but is a problem that the world is facing at large with the onset of coronavirus. The official further appealed to the mandals to hold micro-blood camps maintaining social distance.
Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray along with Rajesh Tope from the NCP appealed to the people after which several camps were held in the month of March and April. Mumbai conjured enough supply to last the month of April, as opposed to the rest of the country but with the Covid-19 cases increasing, the regular donors are now shying away from contributing. Health workers have further stated that the hospitals having thalassaemia units are the worst hit.
The Vice President of the Think Foundation, Vinay Shetty speaking to the media spoke of the shortage of the blood supply. Shetty stated that while the daily requirement is 900 units, it has come down to 400-450 during the lockdown. He also spoke of how the requirement can go up in the upcoming days as many scheduled surgeries that were delayed will be scheduled now. Furthermore, speaking of the plight of patients suffering from thalassaemia and cancer, he added the need for adequate blood supply is a matter of great concern.
May 8 which incidentally marks World Thalassemia Day is just a day away. The organization has already shared a module with the housing societies. They are coordinating with the nearest blood banks to help with the donation. Interested societies are being requested to connect with it at 09820146448.
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