Phuket blood centre issues urgent appeal as type O runs low

Residents and tourists urged to help hospitals meet demand

The Phuket Red Cross Blood Centre (PRBC) has issued an urgent call for blood donors as supplies of type O blood remain at dangerously low levels.

As of 9.30am yesterday, September 4, the National Blood Service in Phuket reported a daily demand of 390 units: 200 units of type O, 100 of type A, 70 of type AB, and 20 of type B. With supplies struggling to meet the needs of hospitals across the province, health officials are urging residents and visitors to donate as soon as possible.

“Blood has a limited shelf life and needs to be regularly replenished. We urge everyone eligible to come forward and help save lives.”

Phuket blood centre issues urgent appeal as type O runs low | News by Thaiger

Donations are accepted at the PRBC, located on Rattanakosin 200 Pi Road in Talad Nuea, Phuket Town.

Opening hours:

  • Monday to Friday: 8.30am to 4.30pm

  • Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday: 8.30am to 7.30pm

  • Weekends and public holidays: 9am to 3.30pm

For more information, donors can call 076-251178 ext. 2 or 081-9588854, or connect via LINE.

Phuket blood centre issues urgent appeal as type O runs low | News by Thaiger

To make it easier for donors, mobile blood donation drives will be held across Phuket and nearby provinces throughout the month. These include locations such as Premium Outlet, Robinson Lifestyle malls, Phuket Rajabhat University, and major hospitals such as Bangkok Hospital Phuket and Vachira Phuket Hospital, according to The Phuket News.

In addition, the Blood Bank at Vachira Phuket Hospital will also host drives at locations like HomePro, Toyota Phuket, Rosewood Phuket, and more. A full schedule is available through the PRBC or local health authorities.

Phuket blood centre issues urgent appeal as type O runs low | News by Thaiger

Donation tips and requirements:

Donors must be under 60 if donating for the first time in Thailand, and no older than 70. They should be in good health, avoid alcohol 24 hours prior, and have a healthy, low-fat meal at least three hours before donating. Those taking antibiotics should delay their donation.

Bring a valid ID card, undergo a quick health check, and be prepared for the donation process, which typically takes under seven minutes. Afterwards, rest, rehydrate, and enjoy a light snack provided on site.

Blood can also be donated directly at the Phuket Regional Blood Centre at 38/193 Rattanakosin 200 Pi Road.

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Puntid Tantivangphaisal

Originally from Hong Kong, Puntid moved to Bangkok in 2020 to pursue further studies in translation. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Comparative Literature from the University of Hong Kong. Puntid spent 8 years living in Manchester, UK. Before joining The Thaiger, Puntid has been a freelance translator for 2 years. In her free time, she enjoys swimming and listening to music, as well as writing short fiction and poetry.