Blood turns scarce in Hyderabad, plea for donations

Nov 29,2023

Hyderabad: The Thalassaemia and Sickle Cell Society (TSCS) in Hyderabad has issued an urgent plea for blood donations as the ongoing elections campaign worsens a critical shortage Thalassaemia patients , reliant on regular blood transfusions for their health, are facing unprecedented challenges in obtaining this vital resource due to circumstances related to the electoral process.

TSCS CEO & secretary Dr Suman Jain said, “The shortage of blood for transfusions is a critical issue affecting the health of Thalassaemia patients. With attention diverted to the elections, the already limited blood supply has further dwindled, putting lives at risk. Our society has almost depleted stored blood, making Thalassaemia patients more vulnerable.”

Typically maintaining 600-700 units of blood, covering all blood groups, TSCS currently possesses only 100 units during the electoral season. Some blood groups are entirely unavailable, exacerbating the scarcity.

Typically maintaining 600-700 units of blood, covering all blood groups, TSCS currently possesses only 100 units during the electoral season. Some blood groups are entirely unavailable, exacerbating the scarcity.

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) conducted a study on the use of drones to deliver blood supplies to remote and inaccessible areas. The preliminary findings showed that drones can be a gamechanger in emergency situations. The study involved flying blood samples and components to far-off places using a battery-operated drone. The results showed that drones are safer and less time-consuming compared to conventional transportation methods. This project aims to establish a delivery method for life-saving blood and develop SOPs for the wider use of drones.

Source: TOI