It is estimated that over the next three months, the institute needs about 90,000 blood units, including more than 36,000 units of type O blood, to meet the demand of first aid, treatment and supply for hospitals, said the institute’s director Bach Quoc Khanh.
At the moment, about 75,000 people have registered to donate blood, Khanh said. “We need more support from the community to have 90,000 blood units to meet the country’s demand during the year-end," he said.
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Students of People’s Police College give blood during a blood donation festival in Hanoi |
During the Tet holidays, the number of blood donors often reduces while the need of blood for emergency treatment increases. The director said a blood shortage is likely to occur if the health sector has not prepared enough blood reserves. This would endanger patients.
Therefore, Khanh said, an increase in blood donation is the only way to handle the shortage, especially of type O blood, during the end of the year and the Lunar New Year holidays.
According to Dr. Khanh, despite many blood donation programs, there still is a risk of shortage because the country’s demand increases every year.
At present, the institute has provided daily about 1,200 units of blood for emergency treatments. During the period between December and January, the institute needs about 30,000-35,000 blood units. In February, it needs between 20,000 and 25,000 units of blood for Tet.
People can visit the institute on Pham Van Bach street, Cau Giay district, Hanoi to donate blood from 8am to 8pm every day.
Source: VNA