KATHMANDU: A severe shortage of blood has been reported across various blood transfusion centers in Dang.
Bishram Adhikari, head of the Nepal Red Cross Society district branch, confirmed that obtaining blood from centers in Tulsipur, Ghorahi, and Lamahi has become difficult. He noted that such shortages are common during festive seasons, and the district is currently facing a similar crisis.
Adhikari stated that collecting blood has proven challenging as it is difficult to find donors during this period, and appeals to various organizations have not yielded sufficient supplies. ‘Demand is much higher during this time, but the shortage could cost patients their lives, and everyone needs to pay attention to this,’ he said, urging people to donate blood as part of their social responsibility.
The high demand for blood in Dang is driven by patients suffering from sickle cell anemia and thalassemia, which are prevalent in the Tharu community. These patients require regular blood transfusions, leading to an annual demand of 5,000 to 6,000 units across the district.
Data shows that the blood transfusion center at Rapti Academy of Health Sciences in Ghorahi records the highest consumption, with over 3,700 units used annually. Meanwhile, the center at Rapti Provincial Hospital in Tulsipur consumes more than 2,100 units, and the Lamahi region requires approximately 1,000 units per year.
