CHITWAN: Despite rising demand for blood in Chitwan, the number of donors has been steadily declining, making it increasingly difficult to maintain a balance for patients coming from across the country.
According to the Nepal Red Cross Society’s Regional Blood Transfusion Center in Bharatpur, daily demand in the district reaches up to 150 units. However, collection remains low. As of Falgun this fiscal year, only 11,532 units were collected through 169 blood donation programs, while an additional 3,181 units came from walk-in donors.
Data shows a gradual decline in donors. In fiscal year 2080/81, 6,920 units were collected at the center, dropping to 4,640 units in 2081/82.
Rameshkant Paudel, head of the center, cited factors such as young donors going abroad for employment and age-related health issues like hypertension and diabetes reducing donor participation. “With fewer donors and rising demand, meeting requirements has become challenging. We even bring blood from neighboring districts,” he said.
Hari Paudel, president of Nepal Red Cross Society Chitwan, added that even with blood sourced from more than 14 districts, shortages persist. Hospitals including BP Koirala Memorial Cancer Hospital, two medical colleges, Bharatpur Hospital, and private hospitals drive Chitwan’s demand to be second only to Kathmandu.
Arjun Adhikari, president of the Blood Donors Society Nepal, suggested improved management and coordination with organizations to boost collection. Dr. Bhojraj Adhikari, former chair of Bharatpur Hospital Development Committee, recommended incorporating blood donation awareness into school and campus curricula and providing state incentives to attract new donors.
With the increasing number of cancer patients and accident victims, Chitwan continues to face a widening gap between blood demand and supply.
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