Serbia faces critical blood shortage, Institute urges donors

The Institute for Transfusion of Blood in Serbia announced that blood reserves are at a critical minimum, with especially low levels of A‑positive, O‑positive and all negative blood groups. Only the B‑positive group remains at a stable, day‑and‑a‑half level. The Institute called on all healthy adults aged 18‑65 to donate, noting that at least 300 units are needed each day. In the past week only one day reached roughly 300 units, while the other days fell below 200.

High summer temperatures have reduced donor turnout, limiting collection to two sites: a mobile bus in Čukarica on Požeška Street near the health centre, and another near the old Merkur building in New Belgrade. Eligible donors must meet standard health criteria, stay hydrated, eat a light meal, avoid medication, weigh at least 50 kg and have had no surgery in the past six months; men must wait 12 weeks between donations and women 16 weeks.