Apropos of the news story “Blood crunch hits patients hard forcing hospitals to postpone surgeries” (THT, October 17, Page 1), dearth of blood, as we all know, can be a matter of life and death for many critically ill patients requiring urgent blood transfusion.

Therefore, it is important that we have regular and reliable sources of blood donors at all times to maintain constant level of blood stock and supplies.

Sometime ago I met two young Madhesis in a Bhaktapur-bound bus who were desperately looking for blood for their kith whose surgery had been put on hold pending availability of blood.

I offered to donate my blood but unfortunately it did not match their requirement. It is perhaps better to identify the sources of potential blood donors for interrupted supplies.

Such sources could be ministries, government offices, constituent assembly, courts, trade and professional organisations, educational institutions, political parties and their cadres, private companies and last but not the least volunteer individuals.

All these could be regular sources of blood.

It is also imperative to have blood banks within the premises of hospitals and nursing homes.

Recently, I had to go looking for blood at dead of night. One can imagine how difficult and expensive it would be to use taxis to look around for blood at midnight.

It is easier said than done, but blood banks should have enough blood in the stock at all times to fulfill all demands to save important lives.

Manohar Shrestha, Kathmandu

Negligence

Despite being a country blessed with natural beauty and perfect sites for adventure Nepal has not been able to take advantage of them to the fullest as they should have been for tourism development, “Where is Nepal’s tourism industry heading?” (THT, October 17, Perspectives, Page 1).

Needless to say, well-managed air service has a direct correlation with tourism.

Sadly, the country’s only International Airport has failed to provide reliable and accessible services to the incoming tourists. One thing is crystal-clear: quality of services provided to the tourists by Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC) is relatively substandard if the high air fares are to be taken into consideration.

Moreover, the infrastructure, security and sanitary condition of TIA are pathetic. The recent encounter with a he-goat at the runway is enough to say about the safety and security at the TIA, “Bhutan Air executes missed approach after sighting a he-goat on TIA runway” (THT, October 16, Page 1).

Luckily, the pilot managed to manoeuvre the aircraft without any mishap. The concerned authorities should be held responsible for such incidents that can be averted if extra precaution is taken.

It does not cost much to do away with the stray animals and birds in and around the airport if the staffers at the airport work sincerely.

Sanjog Karki, Tansen