THE South African National Blood Service (SANBS) has less than two days of blood supply available – a far cry from the required five days to assist hospital patients in desperate need of transfusions.
SANBS spokesperson Vanessa Raju said one of the reasons for the ‘life-and-death’ situation is the drop in student numbers donating blood as university protests persist.
‘Students are an invaluable resource in saving lives as they make up a large proportion of the national blood donor base.
‘Yet the recent protest action at universities has disrupted scheduled blood drives, and in combination with preparations for end-of-year exams, the situation is negatively impacting on the national blood supply.’
Raju said blood drives at university campuses and schools yield about 40% units of blood collected annually.
Although SANBS has systems in place to minimise the effects of shortages experienced during exams, protests have been an unpredictable factor.
As a result of the dangerously low blood stocks, SANBS is appealing to members of the public who are due for their regular donation to visit the nearest donor centre as soon as they can because many lives will be affected by this.
‘Blood is used for emergencies, as well as treating people who are living with different blood diseases and women who haemorrhage while giving birth.
‘SANBS must collect about 3 000 units of blood daily to meet daily demand for this resource and keep stock levels above the two-day mark.’
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