Blood donation drives report strong turnout in Serbia and Croatia

Blood donation drives in Serbia and Croatia have seen significant participation, though medical officials highlight specific needs. In Pirot, Serbia, a regular Tuesday donation event saw a strong turnout, with 21 units collected within the first two hours. Dr. Milan Kostadinović from the Niš Blood Transfusion Institute noted that while overall supplies remain stable, there is currently a slight deficit in Rh-negative blood groups, prompting a call for donors with these types to come forward.

In Pitomača, Croatia, a donation drive held in cooperation with the Osijek University Hospital Center collected 55 units of blood from 62 applicants. The drive featured notable long-term donors from the Virovitica Red Cross Club 100+, including Ivan Novosel, who donated for the 113th time, and Branko Halapa, marking his 105th donation. The collected blood is expected to assist over 150 patients in various medical needs, including surgeries and emergency treatments.