Festive season blood shortage
2008-12-01 17:31
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Johannesburg - South Africa is facing a dangerous blood shortage, SA National Blood Services said on Monday.
"The festive season is a time when more road accidents take place," said SANBS chief executive officer Loyiso Mpuntshe.
Mpuntshe said more donations were necessary because of the higher number of road accidents, but the problem was worsened because fewer people donated over the holiday period.
"People have other things to do," she said.
Mpuntshe said that during the holidays a 10% increase of Type O blood was needed.
This was the only type of blood that could be given to any patient during an emergency.
Three thousand units of blood were needed every day, but during the festive season the number of donations drops to 2 000.
- SAPA