Singer Hoàng Bách donated blood at the University Medical Centre HCMC. — Photo Hoàng Bách Facebook

HÀ NỘI — Vietnamese artists have joined blood donation drives after learning that Việt Nam’s blood banks are in severe shortage as a consequence of the spread of the novel coronavirus.

One of the earliest renowned donators is singer Hoàng Bách who went to the University Medical Centre HCMC to join blood donating campaign. 

“Talking with the doctors, nurses and volunteers, I learned that people are afraid of going to crowded places in the context of the coronavirus outbreak, so few donators have gone to the hospital,” he said.

“The demand for blood to treat diseases is always high. I hope more famous people will participate in blood donation to stir up the campaign,” the singer of Vì Anh Vẫn Yêu Em (Because I Still Love You) added.

Poet Nguyễn Phong Việt also donated blood at the hospital.

“A friend of mine, a doctor, shared about the situation of the blood shortage in hospitals nationwide. I also shared such information on my social networks, hoping others would join that charity activity,” he said.  

The blood donation drive at the National Institute of Hematology and Blood Transfusion in Hà Nội at the weekend saw the participation of many famous singers, including Nguyễn Tuấn Hưng, Tố Nga and Lê Minh Ngọc.

“The problem of blood shortages in hospitals happens after every Tết (Lunar New Year_ but this year, it seems to be more severe due to the coronavirus. The Government recommends against gatherings so many people hesitate to donate blood at hospitals. Many patients shared with me their hopes that the disease will be treated soon so blood reserves will recover,” said Nga, who is currently the image ambassador of Red Journey campaign launched by the Institute.

Concerned about the epidemic, participation in blood donation activities has fallen after the Lunar New Year. Hospitals nationwide are facing a severe shortage of blood.

According to blood supplying centres, there are only around 15,000 units of blood left, while daily needs nationwide amount to some 5,000 units. — VNS