HÀ NỘI — The National Institute of Hematology and Blood Transfusion has called on the community, especially those with type O blood, to donate blood in an effort to avoid a shortage during the upcoming Tết (Lunar new year) holiday.

"It is estimated that over the next three months, the institute needs about 90,000 blood units, including more than 36,000 units of type O blood, to meet the demand of first aid, treatment and supply for hospitals,” said the institute’s director Bạch Quốc Khánh.

“At the moment, about 75,000 people have registered to donate blood,” Khánh said. “We need more support from the community to have 90,000 blood units to meet the country’s demand during the year-end."

During the Tết holiday, the number of blood donors is often reduced while the need of blood for emergency treatment increases. The director said a blood shortage is likely to occur if the health sector has not prepared enough blood reserves. This would endanger patients.

Therefore, Khánh said, an increase in blood donation is the only way to handle the shortage, especially of type O blood, during the end of the year and the Lunar New Year.

According to Dr. Khánh, despite many blood donation programmes, there still is a risk of shortage because the country’s demand increases every year.

At present, the institute has provided daily about 1,200 units of blood for emergency treatments. During the period between December and January, the institute needs about 30,000-35,000 blood units. In February, it needs between 20,000 and 25,000 units of blood for Tết.

People can visit the institute on Phạm Văn Bạch Street, Cầu Giấy District, Hà Nội to donate blood from 8am to 8pm every day of the week. — VNS