Mumbai: Govt and private hospitals in Mumbai reported a severe blood shortage, with many saying their remaining stock would last for just another week.Blood transfusion officers said summers were usually difficult for blood collection as families left the city for vacations, but the situation worsened this year due to soaring temperatures.“The city is facing a severe blood drought, and there are no immediate camps scheduled,” said a doctor from BYL Nair Hospital.An MSW officer at a civic hospital said blood banks were also reluctant to hold camps at railway stations, usually chosen for higher footfall, due to fear of dizziness or sudden collapse of donors because of severe heat.Hospitals were banking on close to 52 camps at various locations to be held by the Nanasaheb Dharmadhikari Pratishthan on May 17, but these were postponed.Rajan Kharkhanis, a blood bank coordinator with the organisation, said, “Many of the areas where we were planning camps saw temperatures touching 40 to 45 degrees Celsius. Even in Mumbai, the heat was more intense than usual. To avoid any health risks for the donors, we had to postpone.”This single drive alone would have provided the city and neighbouring areas with over 15,000 units of blood.For instance, 1,500 people were expected to donate to Nair, KEM and Sion hospitals alone.Additionally, about 400 donations were slotted for Jaslok Hospital, 100 for Lilavati Hospital, 300 for HN Reliance and 200 for Hiranandani Hospital.“Most private and charitable trust hospitals are also low on stock. Many have a supply lasting for only a few days. Some are already entirely out of stock and are managing the shortage by asking patients’ relatives to donate,” said a blood bank official from a private hospital.The situation led to postponement of some planned at both govt and private hospitals. SBTC director Dr Suhas Mohnalkar could not be reached for comment.
