With schools, colleges closed, election season, blood banks face shortage

BENGALURU: Ever since the Model Code of Conduct for the Assembly election was announced, no blood donation camps have been conducted with political leaders and others busy with the campaign. Added to this, schools and colleges too are closed for the summer vacation, leading to a shortage of readily available blood.

Bengaluru city sees a demand of 2,500 units of blood daily but only about 300 to 400 units have been available so far. There is also a huge demand for Red Blood Cells (RBCs) and no availability of negative blood groups, forcing people to mostly rely on social media groups and other means.

Deepak, convener of Lions Blood Bank said, “We used to collect 2,000 units every month in our Lions Blood bank. Now, we are finding it difficult to collect even 100 units. Several organisations and activists have been involved in election activities, so the blood donation camps were not organised and it has become difficult to meet the demand from hospitals. No only that, the summer season is also a factor. Blood donation is a life-saving activity and hence, it should be considered as non-political activity and brought under the Model Code of Conduct.

Marlin Maria, a donor said, “Uoungsters should be come forward to donate blood. The demand is increasing every day. If the youth come forward to donate blood voluntarily, it will be helpful and they should be inspire others too”.