Kathmandu:The Nepal Red Cross Society (NRCS) has issued an urgent call for blood donations as their stocks have been depleted at the Central Blood Transfusion Service. The shortage has emerged following a decline in blood donation programs during the Dashain holidays, while the demand for blood in hospitals continues to escalate.
According to National News Agency RSS, Dr. Prakash Yadav, the Chief of the Central Blood Transfusion Service operated by NRCS, reported that the reserves of whole blood, packed red blood cells (PRBC), and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) for all blood groups have been exhausted. This depletion has made it challenging to fulfill the needs of patients requiring transfusions.
The NRCS is appealing to healthy individuals aged 18 and above, particularly those who have not donated blood for at least three months, to step forward and contribute. Dr. Bishal Kumar Bhandari, President of NRCS, has also urged voluntary donors and organizations to host blood donation events, noting a significant decrease in collections from offices and educational institutions during the holiday period.
NRCS General Secretary Rishi Khanal highlighted that the organization manages blood transfusion service centers and units at 120 locations in 73 districts. Individuals in need of blood or wishing to donate can contact the Central Blood Transfusion Service at 01-5388485 or 01-5388486, or the NRCS toll-free number at 1130.
Additionally, the public is encouraged to download the NRCS BTS Mobile App from the Play Store for further information on blood transfusion services.