With youngsters, who are a major source of supply away, blood banks sell available stock at over double the normal price
With youngsters, who are a major source of supply away, blood banks sell available stock at over double the normal price
With instances of dengue on the rise in Bangalore, the city is in increasing need of blood platelet donors. The Garden City has with the death of Prema (24), au00a0 Lingarajapuram-resident, yesterday lost 281 citizens so far.
u00a0
What makes matters worse for families of those suffering from the disease is that profiteering private blood banks are selling blood platelet bags that cost Rs 400 for as much as Rs 900.
College holidays have also contributed to the drying up of platelet supply as students are a major source of blood donations.
ADVERTISEMENT
It is difficult because donors are not always available," explained Dr V Nanadakishore, who manages the blood bank at Ramaiah Hospital.
Other blood banks voiced similar concerns. "We attend to 80 to 100 dengue cases every day. We are not able to hand out more than 10 units to 15 units due to shortage of blood," said Deepak Suman, coordinator, Lion Service Blood Bank.
"Youngsters are the backbone of blood donation. With all degree colleges closed till July 17, we are facing a huge shortage of donors," explained Raju Chandrashekhar, managing body member of Indian Red Cross.
"The shortage also helps several blood banks who want to make a fast buck to sell blood at higher prices," Chandrashekhar added.
The State Health Department denied of that there was a shortage of blood. Dr S Chaluvaraju, joint director, State Health Department, said, "The BBMP as well as the state health department have been holding extensive awareness and prevention programmes to prevent dengue. Superior field workers have been specially appointed for the purpose."
"If there are 100 people demanding blood, we probably would be able to cater to just 70. But there are 271 private blood banks across the state and 69 of them are dedicated to blood components so there is no question of shortage," Chaluvaraju said.
"Also, only patients suffering from dengue hemorrhagic need transfusion and they constitute only 4 to 5 per cent of those suffering from the condition."
What's dengue?
Dengue fever is caused by the bite of an Aedes mosquito. The mosquitoes breed in discarded tires, flower pots, old oil drums and water storage containers close to human dwellings. The disease can reduce the count of platelets in patients that necessitating transfusion.
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
