Blood banks play a crucial role in the healthcare system by providing life-saving transfusions of blood, platelets, plasma, and other components. However, a decline in blood donations can lead to serious problems, particularly when medical treatments are dependent on these resources. This is the current situation in Pune, Maharashtra, where blood banks are facing a severe shortage, sparking a crisis in the city's healthcare system. The shortage is a result of high blood usage during a recent spike in vector-borne diseases and viral fevers. Compounding the problem is the poor response to blood donation camps.

To address the issue, the State Blood Transfusion Council (SBTC) issued a statewide order to conduct blood donation drives from September 16 to October 1, in hopes of replenishing supplies. However, Pune has seen a disappointing turnout, with only 1,354 donors participating over the two-week period.

Ram Bangad, founder of the NGO Raktache Nate, highlighted the dire situation in major hospitals such as Yashwantrao Chavan Memorial Hospital, Sassoon General Hospital, Inlaks and Budhrani Hospital, and Aundh District Hospital. According to Bangad, many organized donation camps have had low participation, as a large portion of the population has been affected by vector-borne diseases and influenza-like illnesses, making them ineligible to donate.

Pune district houses four government blood banks and 42 private blood banks. Most of these facilities are experiencing a critical shortage of platelets, while others are barely managing with their limited stock. Health officials noted that a normal person’s platelet count ranges from 20,000 to 450,000 per microliter of blood. Dengue patients, in particular, are affected, with 80 to 90 percent experiencing platelet levels below 100,000, and 10 to 20 percent dropping as low as 20,000 or less. Patients with such low platelet levels often develop severe complications, such as internal bleeding, and require immediate platelet transfusions.

Mahendra Kendre, assistant director of the SBTC, stated that the blood donation camps were organized following central government directives. Even the dates were decided in accordance with national guidelines. However, the timing coincided with the Ganpati festival, which may have contributed to the poor turnout. “Many blood donation camps were held during the Ganpati festival, and the response was lukewarm," Kendre said. "Also, blood donation is voluntary, and camps were held based on the need to avoid wastage."

Dr. Nisha Teli, the head of the District Blood Bank, confirmed that the blood and platelet shortage has persisted throughout the month. "The demand for blood and platelets far exceeds the response from donors. There's an overall shortage in blood banks across Pune," she stated.

Experts say that the situation in Pune reflects the wider issue of declining blood donations during health crises. While efforts to encourage donations continue, a significant increase in participation is needed to avert further complications in patient care.

(Input from various sources)

(Rehash/Yash Kamble/MSM)