Here is how you can donate blood during the pandemic

Due to the Coronavirus pandemic, the blood bank at Goa Medical College, Bambolim is currently facing a slight drop in blood donations. Locals gripped with fear of the virus have drastically stopped donating blood and are worried about exposing themselves to the virus. On the occasion of World Blood Donors Day, we talk to Dr Sanjay Korgaonkar, senior medical officer at the blood bank in GMC, who reassures that they are taking extra measures and precautions to keep the donors safe. “We are managing with whatever blood donations we get as of now, but there is a need for people to donate too. People are worried and scared to donate blood now. Over the last few months we haven’t conducted many blood donations like we used to. Before the pandemic we would conduct around 20-25 blood donation camps a month.”
When talking to him about the safety measures to be taken while donating, he says, “We make sure that the donor is thoroughly checked and examined. We ask them to fill a form and question them about their travel history, if they have any symptoms and other COVID related questions. We maintain social distancing regulations, masks and gloves are worn while dealing with donors,” he says.

Here is how you can help donate blood in these trying times:

-The blood bank in GMC is open all working days from 9 am to 12:30 pm and 2- 4:30 pm

-The donor has to weigh more than 45 kgs and should be below 65 years old

-The donors are thoroughly screened before they are sent for donation

-Donor must reveal travel and health history