The Thai Red Cross Society has issued an urgent appeal for blood, saying supplies have dropped dramatically since the third wave of the Covid-19 pandemic hit the country.
National Blood Centre Director Dr Dujjai Chaiwanichsiri said donations have plummeted to 2,000 units per day since early April while demand at more than 340 hospitals nationwide is for between 6,500-7,000 units.
She said the pandemic has forced the cancellation of many blood donation activities and now concern is growing as treatment for some groups of patients that involves giving blood transfusions cannot be postponed.
Dr Dujjai gave assurances that donation centers across the country strictly observe Covid-19 prevention measures to ensure the safety of donors.
However, potential donors who have Covid-19-like symptoms, have visited high-risk areas or have come into contact with Covid-19 patients have to refrain from making a donation for at least 14 days.
