Korat calls for urgent donations amid major blood shortage
Residents across northeastern Thailand are being encouraged to donate blood to address a significant shortage, as highlighted by officials at Regional Blood Centre V.
Hospitals in regions such as Nakhon Ratchasima, Chaiyaphum, Buriram, and Surin are currently receiving only 30 to 40% of their required blood supply, according to Sirilak Piakkhunthod, head of the blood centre.
Sirilak noted that 39 hospitals in Nakhon Ratchasima depend on the centre, which generally receives requests for between 13,000 and 15,000 units of blood monthly. Presently, only about 3,000 units are available, indicating a deficit of 75 to 80%.
She identified several reasons for the shortage, notably the infrequency of regular donations. Most individuals only donate once per year, rather than the recommended once every three months.
Additionally, there is a lack of new donors, with many potential donors unable to donate due to health issues such as thalassemia, which results in low haemoglobin levels, or anaemia caused by iron deficiencies.
Sirilak called on the public, especially those aged 17 and above, to appreciate the importance of blood donation and stressed the need for awareness campaigns to stimulate donations.
“We shouldn’t wait for the perfect moment to donate blood, as declining health might mean missing the chance to do so forever.”
She invited those willing to donate to visit the Regional Blood Centre V in Nakhon Ratchasima or to use the donation centres at Nakhon Ratchasima Rajabhat University and the Terminal 21 Korat shopping mall, reported Bangkok Post.
In related news, the Phuket branch of the Red Cross Society and Vachira Phuket Hospital made an urgent appeal for blood donations, particularly during the tourist High Season.
The demand for Rh-negative blood remains particularly high. While Thai donors typically supply Rh-positive blood, it is predominantly foreigners who can provide the much-needed Rh-negative blood.
In other news, an Australian FIFO worker was granted a lifeline after a near-fatal car crash in Thailand. Through the selfless acts of expat Aussies, he received the six pints of a rare blood type needed to survive.
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