The South African National Blood Service (SANBS) has called for more blood donations as supplies are urgently needed. The SANBS says the country needs 3 000 units of blood everyday in order to meet the demands of cancer and leukemia treatment, childbirth and gynaecological cases, among other needs.
SANBS Chief Operational Officer Ravi Reddy says at this time of the year more blood is needed for casualties as a result of traffic accidents. Reddy also urged regular donors to come forward and donate more blood, highlighting that they stock up blood for over 400 hospitals with emergency Group O blood during this time of the year, which puts more pressure on this blood group.
Last week, the SANBS announced that it had embarked on a massive drive to boost its blood bank this festive season. In order to make blood donation hustle free, the SANBS took its services to the people, operating from shopping centres across the country.
Blood Services spokesperson Elize van Zyl said at the time that the national blood stock was averaging three days, less than half the desired seven days. But, Van Zyl was thankful that the response they received from members of the public was very positive. She also urged people to continue with their generosity so the service can sustain its blood supply levels.
