The Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health Director, Tang Chi Thuong, reported on 7/8 that blood donations have recently declined, impacting the city's ability to maintain adequate reserves and supply blood for treatments. The Ho Chi Minh City Blood Transfusion Hematology Hospital stated that if donations don't increase in August and through the end of the year, the received blood supply will only meet 70-80% of the demand from hospitals.
In July, the expected blood collection target was 27,560 units, but only 25,034 units were collected, a shortfall of 2,526 units. Meanwhile, 27,607 units were distributed to hospitals for transfusions. Consequently, the city's blood reserves decreased from 9,427 units on 1/7 to 6,713 units on 31/7.
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Blood donation at a hospital in Ho Chi Minh City. Photo provided by the hospital |
Blood donation at a hospital in Ho Chi Minh City. Photo provided by the hospital
The Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health is calling on agencies, organizations, local authorities, and residents to donate blood to ensure a safe, continuous, and uninterrupted supply during the system reorganization period. Ward and commune People's Committees are urged to establish Steering Committees for blood donation drives and collaborate with the Ho Chi Minh City Red Cross to promote voluntary blood donations.
The Blood Transfusion Hematology Hospital is coordinating with the Blood Transfusion Hematology Center of Cho Ray Hospital to secure the blood supply. The Cho Ray Hospital's blood transfusion center will continue to serve as the primary supplier of blood and blood products for medical facilities in regions 2 and 3 (formerly Binh Duong and Ba Ria - Vung Tau) until 31/12.
Residents can donate blood at the Blood Bank of the Ho Chi Minh City Blood Transfusion Hematology Hospital at 118 Hong Bang Street, Cho Lon Ward, and the satellite location at the Association for the Support of Poor Patients, 24 Nguyen Thi Dieu Street, Xuan Hoa Ward, or the Ho Chi Minh City Humanitarian Blood Donation Center at 106 Thien Phuoc Street, Tan Hoa Ward, and the permanent location at 466 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street, Ban Co Ward.
Le Phuong
