Blood Shortage in Kathmandu: Red Cross Urges Public to Donate

The Nepal Red Cross Society has urged the public to donate blood after stocks of all blood groups, including whole blood, packed red blood cells (PRBCs) and platelet-rich plasma (PRP), ran out at its Central Blood Transfusion Service.

Dr Prakash Yadav, chief of the service, said the shortage had made it difficult to arrange blood for patients. He urged healthy individuals aged 18 and above, particularly voluntary donors whose last donation was at least three months ago, to donate blood.

Nepal Red Cross Society President Dr Bishal Kumar Bhandari attributed the shortage partly to a decline in blood donation programmes during the festive holidays, when offices and educational institutions remain closed. He appealed to voluntary donors and organisations to organise blood donation drives.

The society operates blood transfusion services through centres and units at 120 locations across 73 districts. Those seeking blood or wishing to donate can contact the Central Blood Transfusion Service at 01-5388485 or 01-5388486, or call the toll-free Nepal Red Cross hotline at 1130.

The public can also download the NRCS BTS app from the Play Store for blood transfusion-related information.

(RSS)