Pune is grappling with a severe dengue outbreak, which has resulted in a growing number of patients requiring urgent medical attention. As the incidence of dengue continues to climb, the city is also contending with the spread of other infectious diseases.
This has led to a critical demand for blood and platelets, essential for treating dengue patients. However, the city's blood banks are facing a significant shortage of these vital resources, causing distress among patients' families and healthcare providers.
The blood bank at Sassoon General Hospital, a major healthcare facility in Pune, is currently experiencing a reduced supply of blood bags and platelets.
Over the past month, persistent rainfall has disrupted the organization of large-scale blood donation camps, a primary source for replenishing blood bank supplies.
The few camps that were held encountered a low turnout due to adverse weather conditions, resulting in a minimal increase in the stock of blood and platelets.
According to Dr. Mahesh Sagle, head of the blood bank at Sassoon General Hospital, “We experienced a significant drop in our stock of blood bags last month. Fortunately, with the resumption of blood donation camps over the past two to three days, we are beginning to see an improvement.
Currently, the demand for both blood and platelets is high. There are several blood donation camps planned for this month, which we hope will help mitigate the shortage.”
Despite this assurance, the situation remains precarious, with many other blood banks in the city still reporting critical shortages. Dr. Atul Kulkarni, Director of Jankalyan Blood Bank, stated, “Although other blood banks are struggling with their stock levels, we currently have a sufficient supply of both blood and platelets. Regular blood donation camps are being conducted, and our reserves are gradually increasing.”
The rising cases of dengue and chikungunya have further strained the city's healthcare resources. Dr. Tanima Baronia of Ruby Hall Clinic highlighted that the demand for blood and platelets has surged by 30 to 35 percent as more patients are admitted to hospitals.
This increased demand has exacerbated the shortage, making it a significant challenge for blood banks to meet the needs of the growing patient population.
Healthcare providers and authorities are urging the public to participate in upcoming blood donation drives to help replenish the dwindling supplies and support the city’s ongoing fight against the dengue outbreak.
