KATHMANDU: The Nepal Red Cross Society (NRCS) has made an urgent appeal for blood donations after stocks of blood and major blood components were depleted at its Central Blood Transfusion Service in Kathmandu.
The shortage has emerged amid a sharp decline in blood donation programmes during the Dashain holidays, while demand from hospitals continues to rise. The Central Blood Transfusion Service has reported that whole blood, packed red blood cells (PRBC) and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) are unavailable across all blood groups.
Dr Prakash Yadav, chief of the Central Blood Transfusion Service, has urged healthy men and women aged 18 and above to come forward and donate blood. The Red Cross has particularly appealed to voluntary donors who have completed at least three months since their previous donation.
The shortage is creating serious difficulties for hospitals and patients requiring blood for surgery, dialysis, childbirth, cancer treatment and other critical medical procedures. A report from the Kathmandu Valley said daily demand for blood exceeds 400 pints, while collections have fallen to around 20 pints, highlighting the widening gap between demand and supply.
NRCS President Dr Bishal Kumar Bhandari has also urged voluntary donors, offices, educational institutions and other organisations to organise blood donation programmes to help replenish depleted stocks.
The society currently provides blood transfusion services through centres and units at 120 locations across 73 districts.
People wishing to donate blood or seeking blood for patients can contact the Central Blood Transfusion Service at 01-5388485 or 01-5388486. The NRCS can also be reached through its toll-free number 1130. The society has recommended the NRCS BTS mobile app for information about blood transfusion services.
With the shortage affecting multiple blood groups, health authorities are urging eligible donors to treat the appeal as an immediate call for community support.
