Mumbai is currently facing a shortage of blood as only 3,500 units are said to be remaining across 55 blood banks. Officials say that this may be sufficient only for four days. Prior to the pandemic, Mumbai needed approximately 1,000 units of blood per day. But the coronavirus restrictions and lockdowns meant that surgeries and other treatment were halted.
“However, with the second wave ebbing, the number of surgeries and cancer treatment cycles are increasing and there is bound to be more demand for blood,” a doctor from a civic hospital said.
Read - State Agency Urges Blood Banks Across Maharashtra To Ramp Up Donation Camps
The shortage of blood particularly affects thalassaemia patients who require blood frequently. There were instances during the pandemic wherein blood banks asked patients to look for a donor citing the unavailability of blood. Dr Mamta Manglani who runs the BMT Centre at Borivali said that around 138 kids with thalassaemia are being treated. These kids apparently need up to 500 units of blood transfusion each month.
“The last six months have been very difficult as we have to constantly look for donors,” Dr Manglani said. The usual blood donation sites such as corporate offices, colleges, etc are currently shut down due to pandemic related restrictions.
According to activists, confusion related to the vaccine has led to hesitancy from potential donors. This is in addition to donors who are shying away from donation camps due to fear of contracting the deadly virus.
Dr Manglani reiterated the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) stance that vaccinated people have to wait at least 15 days before donating blood.
Despite the scarcity of blood, Chief of the State Blood Transfusion Council (SBTC) Arun Thorat said that the situation has improved compared to early July.
People willing to conduct blood donation camps can reach out to the SBTC via phone on 022-22830216 or through email at sbtc@mahasbtc.com.
Also read - NBTC Recommends Donating Blood 14 Days After The First Vaccine Shot
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