Critical blood shortage hits Chitwan
Patients now largely rely on individual donors arranged by their relatives, creating a critical situation in the district.
KATHMANDU: Chitwan is facing a severe shortage of blood as regular collection programs have been disrupted due to ongoing festive celebrations.
Patients now largely rely on individual donors arranged by their relatives, creating a critical situation in the district.
The daily demand for blood in Chitwan ranges between 100 to 150 units, making it the second-highest in demand after the federal capital, Kathmandu.
In response to the shortage, an emergency blood donation drive was organized today in Ward No. 2 of Bharatpur Metropolitan City.
The event saw 105 people, including Ward Chairs Manoj Ranabhat (Ward 2) and Parmeshwar Khanal (Ward 10), donating blood.
The drive was conducted by the Narayangadh sub-branch of the Nepal Red Cross Society at the request of the Provincial Blood Transfusion Center, Bharatpur.
Sub-branch Chair Kripa Rajbhandari said the initiative was organized to address the urgent demand for blood. The campaign also urged local leaders, social figures, and general donors to contribute.
Hari Paudel, Chairperson of the Nepal Red Cross Society, Chitwan, emphasized that all citizens should come forward to donate blood during this critical shortage.
In addition to Ward 2, the Red Cross sub-branch in Geetanagar also organized a blood donation drive today, while the Lions Club is scheduled to conduct drives on Friday.
These efforts are expected to gradually ease the shortage.
Rameshkant Paudel, Head of the Bharatpur Blood Transfusion Center, explained that factors such as the festive season, political events, reduced organizational activities, school and college holidays, and farming seasons have led to a decline in regular blood donation programs.
Although spontaneous donors and requests from patients bring in around 50 units daily, it is insufficient to meet demand.
Cancer patients, accident victims, maternity cases, and surgical patients are among the most affected by the shortage.
The center continues to collect blood across Chitwan and neighboring districts to meet urgent needs.
