Nepal Red Cross Society issues urgent blood donation appeal

The Nepal Red Cross Society has issued a special appeal for blood donations following a significant shortage caused by the Dashain holiday. The festive break disrupted donation programs at the Central Blood Transfusion Service, while hospital demand for patients remained high.

Dr. Prakash Yadav, chief of the Central Blood Transfusion Service, reported that stocks of whole blood across all groups, packed red blood cells (PRBC), and fresh frozen plasma (FFP) have been depleted. This shortage has made it difficult to meet the needs of patients undergoing surgery, accident victims, and those requiring regular transfusions.

Nepal Red Cross Society President Dr. Bishal Kumar Bhandari noted that the closure of offices and educational institutions during the holidays reduced organized donation drives. The society is urging healthy men and women aged 18 and older, particularly those who have not donated in the last three months, to come forward. The organization operates transfusion services across 120 locations in 73 districts.