KGMU Blood Bank Faces Critical Shortage

The largest blood centre in the state, operated by KGMU's transfusion medicine department, is facing a severe deficit of A positive and AB positive blood groups. This shortage critically impacts the timely treatment of patients requiring transfusions for conditions such as trauma, surgery, cancer, and thalassaemia.

Officials reported that as of Saturday evening, only about 15-20 units of A positive and approximately 10 units of AB positive blood were available, a stark contrast to the daily requirement of around 200 units. The situation is attributed to administrative disruptions over the past few months, which led to the cessation of blood donation camps for nearly three months. This halt has weakened the network of voluntary donors and complicated the organization of new camps due to increased approval requirements.

To address the depleting stocks, the department has largely ceased issuing blood without replacement, reserving it only for critical cases. Efforts are now focused on re-establishing donation camps and re-engaging regular donors. Daily appeals are being made to encourage voluntary donations to gradually stabilize the blood supply. The Head of the Department of Transfusion Medicine, Prof. Tulika Chandra, urged eligible donors to contribute, emphasizing that one donation can save multiple lives through component separation and offers health benefits to the donor.