Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru/Udupi
Mangaluru/Udupi, May 12: With the ongoing scorching summer and educational institutions shut for holidays, blood availability in the undivided Dakshina Kannada region has significantly reduced. As a result, hospitals in both Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts are struggling to meet daily blood demands.
Most blood banks are facing shortages. Wenlock Hospital’s blood bank requires 80–100 units of blood daily but currently has only 80 units in stock. Udupi District Hospital faces a daily demand of 40–60 units, yet the collection has dwindled.
Despite the presence of multiple medical colleges and numerous blood banks in the region, the demand continues to outpace supply. Daily surgical procedures, deliveries, and treatment of other patients in these districts contribute to a steady need for blood. However, the number of donors has sharply declined, prompting blood banks to search for potential donors to meet the shortfall.
Except for Udupi District Hospital, even Manipal’s Kasturba Hospital blood bank is seeing reduced reserves due to the lack of regular blood donation camps. This shortage is compelling hospitals to request patients’ families to donate blood themselves.
Appeal to donate blood
Though regular awareness campaigns about blood donation are underway, the demand has spiked with the heatwave, and the number of donors has dropped. Doctors urge healthy individuals to donate blood, especially families of patients. Doing so can help prevent shortages. Youth, in particular, are being encouraged to take blood donation seriously, as it not only benefits the recipient but also contributes to the donor's health.
Constant need in emergencies
All hospitals carry out surgeries daily, many of which require blood. Deliveries involving heavy bleeding, accidents, and patients suffering from anaemia all demand timely access to blood. Hence, uninterrupted blood supply is essential, and increasing availability has become a priority.
Heat, holidays, and exams affect camps
The coastal region is reeling under extreme heat, discouraging people from stepping outdoors. Many donation camp venues lack air-conditioning, making participation unappealing. Camps that once drew hundreds now see only 30–50 attendees. Concerns about dehydration are also deterring potential donors. College students are either preparing for exams or away on summer vacation, leading to further decline in donor turnout.
Blood donation remains the only way to address the ongoing shortage. Youth must come forward with a spirit of national service. With over 13 blood banks across the district, people are encouraged to donate at the nearest centre. A single donation can save a life.
“This is the first time we’re facing a shortage at Wenlock Hospital. Donors can definitely help resolve the crisis,” said Dr Sharath Kumar, head of Blood Bank, Wenlock Hospital.
“Due to the intense heat, people are less inclined to donate blood like before. Awareness drives are ongoing, but self-motivated donations are crucial. We’ve appealed to several organisations for support,” said Dr Veena, head of Blood Bank, Udupi District Hospital.
“Summer, vacations, and exams have led to lower participation in blood donation camps, causing a drop in collections. However, no patient has suffered due to lack of blood so far. We require 500–600 units every month, and the blood bank is doing its best to meet the demand,” said Dr Shantharam Shetty, chairman, Indian Red Cross Society, Dakshina Kannada.