Blood and platelet shortage hits Pune: donor response falls short
Blood and platelet shortage hits Pune: donor response falls short
Hospitals and blood banks in Pune are facing a critical shortage of blood and platelets. The State Blood Transfusion Council (SBTC) issued a call for blood donation camps from September 17 to October 1 to help replenish supplies. However, the response has been disappointing, with only 1,354 donors participating in the last 14 days. As a result, the demand is rising.
As per an NGO, there is an urgent need for platelets and blood in various hospitals, including Sahyadri, Yashwantrao Chavan Memorial Hospital, Sassoon General Hospital, Inlaks and Budhrani Hospital, and Aundh District Hospital. Pune district is home to four government blood banks and 42 private blood banks, many of which are struggling to meet the demand.
The majority of blood banks are experiencing a severe shortage of platelets. Normal platelet counts range from 20,000 to 450,000 per microlitre of blood. However, around 80 to 90% of dengue patients have platelet counts below 100,000, with some dropping to 20,000 or less. These patients, particularly those who develop complications like bleeding, require urgent platelet transfusions.
The current blood donation response is insufficient to meet the growing need. Authorities are urging residents to donate blood and support those in critical need. Immediate action is essential to avoid a healthcare crisis in the city.
