Hospitals across the country are facing blood shortage. The difficulty in finding donors, especially during winter, as many of the institutions are closed, is leading to the shortage of blood, say the health officials.
To address the issue, the Ministry of Health in collaboration with blood bank of JDWNR Hospital initiated a mobile blood camps in various ministries.
The Blood Bank In-charge, Tenzin Rabgyel said they use 21-28 units of blood from the bank in JDWNR Hospital alone. He said the main requirement is for Dialysis Unit and Oncologist Unit.
The Department of Medical Services Programme Officer, Sonam Wangda said sustainability of safe blood in blood bank and encouraging volunteer donors are two important goals the department is working towards.
Volunteer blood donors across the country have increased from 54 percent in 2009 to 70 percent, currently.
The country as of now needs 10,000 units per year.
“…When we calculate, it comes around 1percent.” Sonam Wangda said even if 1 percent of the Bhutanese population donates, the blood shortage in the country will be addressed.
Researchers have proven that donating blood is safe.
Of the 76ml/kg of blood in male and 66ml/kg of blood in female, only 50ml/kg of blood is required for the functioning of the body in both the genders. From the remaining, donating 8ml of blood is safe recommends the doctors.
