JHAPA: The Nepal Red Cross Society Jhapa chapter has reported an acute shortage of blood across the district, urging individuals and organizations to come forward and donate.
According to the Red Cross, only around 200 pints of blood remain in stock at the six blood transfusion centers operating in the district. Officials say the supply is running critically low compared to daily demand.
“Blood reserves at our transfusion centers have dropped sharply,” said Lokraj Dhakal, chairperson of the Nepal Red Cross Society Jhapa. “Hospitals in the district require around 100 pints of blood every day, mainly for dialysis and other medical cases. We currently have just enough for two days’ use, so we’re appealing to everyone to donate.”
Dhakal said consecutive festivals and recent disasters have led to the shortfall, as regular blood donation programs were halted during Dashain, Tihar, and Chhath, as well as due to heavy rainfall and floods in mid-October.
“The demand for blood has risen sharply,” he added. “We urge all eligible individuals above 18 years of age to visit the nearest blood transfusion center and donate voluntarily.”
Dhakal also called on the public to change the mindset of only seeking blood when in need. “People should not just look for donors when they need blood; they should also give,” he said. “When going to hospitals to request blood for patients, we encourage people to bring along two or three donors, regardless of their blood type.”
He noted that the Jhapa Red Cross has contact details of thousands of registered donors across all blood groups, and urged families of patients in need of blood to reach out to the Red Cross directly to find potential donors.
Dhakal also shared that the Jhapa chapter had recently sent around 1,500 pints of blood to Kathmandu during the Gen-Z protests to help meet urgent medical needs there.
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