KGMU blood bank runs dry: A+, AB+ stocks near collapse

Lucknow: The largest blood centre in the state, run by the transfusion medicine department at KGMU, is facing an acute shortage of A positive and AB positive blood groups, raising concerns over timely treatment of patients.The centre caters to trauma, surgery, cancer and thalassaemia patients, many of whom require regular transfusions.
Officials said only about 15-20 units of A positive and nearly 10 units of AB positive blood were available until Saturday evening, while the daily requirement goes up to about 200 units. They attributed the crisis to administrative disruptions in recent months. Blood donation camps have stopped for nearly three months, weakening the network of regular voluntary donors who shifted to other centres. The process of organising camps also became complicated, requiring higher-level approvals. Delays in permissions led to cancellations, reducing supply and disturbing stock stability. With stocks depleting sharply over the past week, the department almost stopped issuing blood without replacement, except in very critical cases. Efforts are now underway to restart donation camps and reconnect with regular donors. Daily appeals are being made to encourage voluntary donations so that stocks can gradually stabilise. Head of the department of transfusion medicine, Prof Tulika Chandra, urged eligible donors to come forward. Calling blood donation a humanitarian service, she said one donation can save up to three lives through blood component separation. "Regular donation not only helps patients but also benefits donors by stimulating the production of fresh red blood cells and is linked to nearly a 5% lower risk of heart attack. All donated blood is tested free of cost using advanced nucleic acid testing (NAT) for HIV, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, syphilis and malaria to ensure safety," she said.