Blood banks gear for festive season surge in donation
In a circular issued on Aug 12, the State Blood Transfusion Council (SBTC) instructed blood centres that during the months of Aug, Sept, and Oct, collections should be planned according to the average demand of the past three years. The notice stated: "During this period, there should be no excess blood collection by your blood centre and care must be taken to ensure that blood does not expire and go to waste."
The validity for one unit of whole blood is 30 to 35 days.
The notice is in contrast to the situation just a couple of months ago when the city was struggling with a severe shortage of blood.
You Can Also Check:
Mumbai AQI
|
Weather in Mumbai
|
Bank Holidays in Mumbai
|
Public Holidays in Mumbai
|
Gold Rates Today in Mumbai
|
Silver Rates Today in Mumbai
"During the first few weeks of the festive season, there is often excess blood collection. It's hard to give an exact figure, but it's likely that a few units go to waste at nearly every blood bank," said a senior blood bank officer from a BMC hospital.
"Each unit can save three lives, and once donated, a person cannot give blood again for another three months.
Excess collection today can lead to shortages in the future," the officer said.
Mumbai alone has 53 blood banks. Some officials attribute the over-collection to political pressure to continue donations even when demand is already met. Others point to inefficient management by both the SBTC and individual blood banks, with some centres attempting to hit their annual target of around 2,000 units.
The city's daily blood requirement is between 1,000 and 2,000 units, and SBTC has asked organisers to hold donation drives when shortages are more likely.
Stay updated with the latest local news from your
city
on
Times of India
(TOI). Check upcoming
bank holidays
,
public holidays
, and current
gold rates
and
silver prices
in your area.
Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with
Happy Independence Day wishes
,
messages
, and
quotes
!
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Foundation laid for 450-bed facility at Madikeri district hospital
Madikeri: The second phase of the district hospital in Madikeri, aimed at adding 450 beds, began with the foundation stone laying ceremony on Friday. The event was jointly organised by the department of medical education and the Kodagu Institute of Medical Sciences. Kodagu district minister NS Bhoseraju laid the foundation stone at the Kodagu Institute of Medical Sciences campus in Madikeri. Speaking on the occasion, the minister said the govt led by chief minister Siddaramaiah has placed a strong emphasis on improving both education and healthcare. The poor people rely on govt hospitals and it is the responsibility of doctors to ensure quality health services reach poor patients, he said. Kodagu MLAs Mantar Gowda and AS Ponnanna are working hard to upgrade the Kodagu Institute of Medical Sciences, he added. Ponnanna, who also serves as the CM's legal adviser, said the long-standing demand for a super-specialty hospital in the region was finally being met. He said development in the district is a collective effort and the healthcare services must be accessible to all. MLA Mantar Gowda said it was their responsibility to provide the Kodagu Institute of Medical Sciences with basic facilities. Doctors must deliver prompt and effective medical care to those who visit the hospital, he said. Efforts are being made to strengthen various departments, including the MRI scanning unit. Similar efforts will be made to strengthen the cardiology department. An additional Rs 20 crore will be provided for the development of the institute, he said. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Happy Independence Day wishes , messages , and quotes !
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Doctor found dead at flat, police suspect suicide
Kochi: A doctor at a private hospital in Aluva was found dead in a flat in Marampally near Perumbavoor on Friday morning. Police identified the deceased as Meenakshi Vijayakumar, 37. According to them, prima facie it was suspected to be a case of suicide. The woman seems to have injected herself with a medicine for anaesthesia, said police. "A bottle and syringe were found near the body. We have not found any evidence so far indicating foul play. There were no signs of any struggle. She was staying alone and the flat was locked from inside," said an officer. Her body was found by her colleagues who went to check on her after she failed to turn up for duty and answer phone calls. "According to the security guard, she usually ordered dinner most days but did not do so on Thursday night. It is suspected that she died sometime in the night," said an officer. "We have not found any suicide note. Her phone is locked and an analysis might give us more insight. The exact cause of death will be determined after the autopsy," the officer said. Her body will be handed over to the family after an autopsy on Saturday. Suicides are preventable and help is a phone call away. Those in distress can call Maitri at 0484-2540530. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Happy Krishna Janmashtami Wishes ,, messages , and quotes !
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Grant of Rs 80 cr needed for Shivamogga district hospital: Minister
Shivamogga: Shivamogga district minister Madhu Bangarappa on Friday said the McGann District Hospital in Shivamogga is catering to the poor from Shivamogga and surrounding districts, leading to higher-than-expected patient inflow and increased pressure on the facility. Consequently, a grant of Rs 80 crore is required to better equip the existing hospital, and a request has been made to ministers concerned for its release. Speaking to reporters, he said the MRI machine's usage is also under significant demand. Through the MCH project, separate units for trauma and MRI are proposed. An estimated Rs 75 crore is needed for constructing a new district hospital, while a proposal of Rs 80 crore has been submitted for developing the existing facility. He affirmed the govt's commitment to the welfare of the Sharavathi River's victims and other forest-related matters. He stated that exemptions cannot be granted in matters other than legal ones. An action plan is being prepared with Union govt to provide a logical conclusion for farmers struggling to obtain land rights certificates. A senior lawyer was appointed to competently argue the case in the Supreme Court. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Use an AI Writing Tool That Actually Understands Your Voice Grammarly Install Now Undo Additionally, a survey of the victims' land in the district is nearing completion. The issues faced by the victims are decades old, and the interests of many families cultivating the land have also been considered. Consultations were held with chief minister Siddaramaiah regarding land titles for cultivators. The state govt has reserved necessary funds for development works alongside ambitious guarantee schemes implemented by govt, he said. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Happy Independence Day wishes , messages , and quotes !
