Key Takeaways:

• Whole blood, packed red blood cells and platelet-rich plasma are unavailable across all blood groups at the Central Blood Transfusion Service
• Healthy people aged 18 and above are urged to donate blood
• Blood collection programmes declined during Dashain as demand from hospitals continued to rise
• Donors can contact the service on 01-5388485 or 01-5388486, or call the NRCS toll-free number 1130

KATHMANDU, OCTOBER 28 The Nepal Red Cross Society (NRCS) has urgently appealed for blood donations after stocks of blood and key blood components were depleted at its Central Blood Transfusion Service, raising concerns over meeting the needs of hospital patients. The shortage follows a decline in blood donation programmes during the Dashain holidays, while demand for blood to treat patients in hospitals continues to rise, the society said. Dr Prakash Yadav, chief of the Central Blood Transfusion Service operated by the NRCS, said stocks of whole blood, packed red blood cells (PRBC) and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) across all blood groups had run out, making it difficult to meet patients' needs. Yadav urged healthy men and women aged 18 and above to donate blood, particularly voluntary donors who have completed three months since their last donation. NRCS President Dr Bishal Kumar Bhandari also appealed to voluntary donors and organisations to organise blood donation programmes, citing a decline in collections at offices and educational institutions during the holidays. The society operates blood transfusion service centres and units at 120 locations across 73 districts, according to NRCS General Secretary Rishi Khanal. People wishing to donate blood or seeking blood for patients can contact the Central Blood Transfusion Service at 01-5388485 or 01-5388486, or call the NRCS toll-free number 1130. The society has also urged the public to download the NRCS BTS Mobile App from the Play Store for information about blood transfusion services.