As temperatures crossed 42°C and people preferred to stay indoors to escape the scorching heat, the Blood Bank at the District Civil Hospital faced its annual challenge of maintaining an adequate blood supply.
Instead of waiting for voluntary donors to visit the blood bank, however, the authorities adopted a proactive approach by reaching out to social organisations, NGOs, educational institutions, religious groups, political parties and volunteers. Their collective efforts have helped ensure hospitals continue to receive sufficient blood supplies despite the harsh weather conditions.
Unlike previous years, when blood stocks dipped significantly during the summer months, the blood bank has maintained a healthy reserve this year. At present, it has a stock of 318 units of blood, almost double the 170 units available during the corresponding period last year.
According to official data, the blood bank currently has 70 units of A+, 90 units of B+, 105 units of O+, 20 units of AB+, eight units of A-, six units of B-, five units of O-, and four units of AB-. Officials said the stock is adequate to meet both routine and emergency requirements of patients across the district.
“Every summer we face a shortage of blood, but this time we decided not to wait for donors to come to us. Instead, we approached various social organisations, religious groups, colleges, corporate offices and other institutions in advance to organise indoor blood donation camps,” said Dr Sanjay Verma, Regional Blood Transfusion Officer.
The response has been highly encouraging, he said.
“We have also approached the Haryana Police Academy at Madhuban to organise a mega blood donation camp, and we are hopeful that it will further strengthen our blood reserves in the coming days,” he added.
Dr Verma said the prevailing weather conditions remained extremely challenging for maintaining adequate stocks of blood and blood components.
“Despite the intense heat, our team members are working tirelessly. With the support of organisations and voluntary blood donors, we have been able to maintain sufficient stock. No patient has suffered due to a shortage of blood,” he said.
Hospital authorities, however, remain cautious about the approaching monsoon season, when blood donation typically declines because of frequent rainfall and seasonal illnesses. They are hopeful citizens will continue to extend their support during July.
To further strengthen reserves, several large-scale blood donation drives have already been planned for August and September in collaboration with educational institutions, industrial establishments and social organisations. Officials believe these mega camps will help maintain a stable blood inventory in the months ahead.
Appealing to healthy people to donate blood, Dr Verma urged them not to believe common myths associated with blood donation during summer.
“Many people think donating blood in hot weather causes weakness, but that is not true. A healthy person can safely donate blood after having a proper meal and staying hydrated. A single unit of donated blood can save the life of an accident victim, a pregnant woman suffering from severe anaemia, a child with thalassaemia or a patient undergoing major surgery,” he said.
Dr Poonam Chaudhary, Civil Surgeon, appreciated the contribution of voluntary donors and the organisations helping maintain blood stocks.
“Voluntary blood donation is one of the noblest acts of humanity. It reflects the spirit of social responsibility and compassion. We are grateful to every organisation and volunteer who has come forward to support the blood bank during this challenging season,” she said.
Volunteer donors also expressed satisfaction after contributing to the cause.
Dinesh Bakshi, founder-chairman of Lakshay Janhit Society, an NGO, who regularly donates blood, said: “I have been donating blood regularly and it gives me satisfaction. Summer should never become a reason to stop helping someone in need.”
