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Italy faces critical blood shortage as hospitals suspend non-urgent surgeries
Italy is facing a widespread blood shortage, prompting urgent appeals from the National Blood Center (CNS). The scarcity is particularly acute in the regions of Lazio, Campania, and Sicily. Due to the critical lack of supplies, the Ruggi d'Aragona hospital in Salerno has suspended all non-emergency surgical and clinical activities that require blood transfusions.
The shortage is most severe for the O positive blood group, which is the most common in the population and thus in high demand. The CNS reports that current stock levels are so low that interregional compensation—moving blood from surplus areas to deficit areas—is no longer possible, as no regions currently hold excess supplies.
Various organizations, including Fidas and Avis, are intensifying efforts to recruit donors. In Rome, Adnkronos and Avis have organized emergency collection events, while in Milan, Mercato Centrale is hosting awareness sessions and mobile blood drives. In the Marche region, donation rates have also seen a significant decline, which local officials attribute to recent controversies regarding wasted plasma.
Health authorities warn that without an immediate increase in voluntary donations, the ability to perform essential medical procedures and maintain hospital operations will remain compromised.
Entities
AVIS · Avis Roma · Centro Nazionale Sangue · Fidas · Italian Red Cross · Italy · Policlinico Gemelli · Policlinico Umberto I · Rome · Ruggi d'Aragona · San Martino Hospital
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] A shortage of blood supplies in Italy could lead to the postponement of scheduled surgical procedures.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The minimum interval between whole blood donations is 90 days. quotidianodibari.it
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Fertile women can donate up to 2 times per year. quotidianodibari.it
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Men and non-fertile women can donate up to 4 times per year. quotidianodibari.it
- [DISPUTED] Donors must be between 18 and 60 years old and weigh more than 50 kilograms. quotidianodibari.it
- [DISPUTED] Donors must be between 18 and 65 years old and weigh over 50 kg. www.lagone.it
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Donors should not fast completely and are advised to have a light breakfast before donating. quotidianodibari.it