THIRUVANANTHAPURAM:
As COVID-19 lockdown has affected blood donation initiative with people being forced to remain indoors, Kerala State AIDS Control Society (KSACS) is planning to hold blood donation camps to maintain adequate stock in blood banks.
As a domino effect of the lockdown, there is a downfall in blood donation and blood banks are looking for measures to overcome the situation, Dr R. Ramesh, Project Director, Kerala State AIDS Control Society (KSACS) said here today.
“We are encouraging donors and charity organisations to come forward to take part in blood donation initiative in a bid to maintain adequate stock of blood and related components,” pointed out Dr. Ramesh, who is also the Chairman of Information Education and Communication (IEC) Committee.
Instructions have been given to the 37 blood banks under KSACS to increase outreach camps for blood donation. The camps will be conducted by observing COVID-19 protocols like social distancing, he said.
Noting that it is difficult to get donors during this lockdown period, Dr. Ramesh said, “Blood requirement is low now due to lack of surgeries and lesser number of patients in hospitals. But we have to maintain the adequate stock of blood.” He also urged all donors and charity organisations to donate blood to meet the requirement of blood banks.
“In the wake of COVID-19 pandemic, proper screening of donors will be done at the camps. Donors from abroad and those who turn up after a journey will not be allowed to donate blood,” he added.
