Public urged to donate blood as supply drops amid pandemic

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MANILA, Philippines — Senator Risa Hontiveros on Monday urged the public to donate blood as she raised alarm over the dwindling supply of blood needed for vital medical procedures which were deferred due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Huwag tayong makampante pagdating sa pambansang supply ng dugo. Anupaman ang level nito ngayon, patuloy tayong magyaya ng mas maraming tao upang magbigay ng dugo (Let us not rely on the arrival of the national blood supply. No matter what level it currently has, we should ask more people to donate blood.) Donations are always needed, especially in the middle of a health emergency. Let us ensure the sustainability of the blood supply,” Hontiveros said in a statement.

Hontiveros said that the national blood supply needs to be immediately restocked as hospitals catch up on delayed, waitlisted or cancelled surgeries and other procedures more than a year into the health crisis.

Hontiveros also urged the Department of Health (DOH) to boost its information drive and encourage people to donate blood in service facilities as citizens might be thinking twice due to the risks of COVID-19.

“Bukod sa mga nagpapagaling dahil sa COVID, nangangailangan din ng donated plasma ang mga pasyenteng ooperahan, nangangailangan ng organ transplant, mga may cancer, may anemia, atbp. Sana ay mapagbigyan natin sila dahil matagal na rin silang naghihintay ng atensyong medikal” the senator added.

(Aside from COVID-19 patients, blood plasma is also needed by patients who will be operated on, who need organ transplants, who have cancer, who have anemia and others also need donated plasma. I hope we could accommodate these patients as they have long been waiting for medical attention.)

The senator, however, also acknowledged the recent efforts of the DOH National Voluntary Blood Services Program for providing free shuttle services and pre-screening for potential donors, making it easier for them to help replenish the supply.

Hontiveros called on the public to donate at the nearest blood service facility, such as the Philippine Red Cross.

“The blood you give can save a life. Napakaraming blood drives ang napurnada noong isang taon kaya kailangang-kailangan nating maghabol. Maganda na mas pinadali para sa mamamayan ang pagdo-donate ng dugo dahil pangdugtong ng buhay ito para sa nangangailangan. Maging instrumento sana tayo upang iligtas ang buhay ng isa’t-isa,” the senator said.

(The blood you give can save a life. Many blood drives have been hindered in the past year which is why we need to catch up. It would be good if it is easier for citizens to donate because it means life to those who need it. Let us be instruments in saving other people’s lives.) Faith Yuen Wei Ragasa, Inquirer trainee

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