Blood availability limping back to normalcy in Chittoor

Tirupati: The reduction in blood supply caused by the pandemic has been slowly improving towards normal levels. As per the estimates of World Health Organisation (WHO) there was 20 to 30 per cent reduction of blood supply at many regions due to fall in donor attendance. However, the reduced blood requirement due to the stoppage of all non-Covid medical procedures except emergencies has averted a major crisis.

The blood bank located in SVR Ruia Government General Hospital in Tirupati used to get about 800 units of blood supplies per month during the normal times before the pandemic. It fell steeply to below 100 units during the Covid period. Now, the hospital is getting around 400-500 units per month and in another month or so, it is expected to reach the previous levels.

Now, the demand for blood has been increasing with the resumption of non-Covid procedures. Assistant Professor of Pathology and in-charge medical officer of blood bank in Ruia Hospital Dr B H Purna Chandra Sekhar said that after facing a tough situation, now they have been getting donors.

After the easing out of night curfew restrictions, the donors from other places were also coming now. Apart from voluntary blood donors, voluntary organisations like RASS, Police training centre near Kalyani Dam and others have been organising camps to mobilise blood supply frequently. Also, the mobile blood vehicle supported by National Aids Control Organisation (NACO) has been moving around important locations in Tirupati to attract blood donors.

For those who hesitate to come to the blood bank to donate due to Covid apprehensions, mobile blood vehicle proved to be of immense use. As per recent guidelines, anyone can donate blood after 14 days of getting vaccinated. Dr Chandra Sekhar said that to overcome the shortage of blood during the pandemic times, the medical fraternity came forward and donated blood on many occasions.

He said there was huge requirement for blood for patients of road accidents, Thalassemia, burns, maternity cases and others. Without having any stigma, people should donate blood on a regular basis. One bag of blood may be of help to four patients as the whole blood, plasma, platelets and RBC can be given separately to each patient.

There are eight blood storage centres at different places in the district linked with the Ruia blood bank. Now, they were also asked to conduct camps to increase the blood supply. They will be given 30 percent of such donations and the remaining 70 percent will have to be sent to the Ruia blood bank. With all these initiatives, the blood shortages may soon be overcome completely.