The number of people donating blood has dropped significantly in Krishna district, causing anxiety among patients.
As against close to 300 people who donate blood during blood donation camps organised by the Indian Red Cross Society (IRC) and other voluntary organisations, the number has now come down to a few dozens.
That the situation has reached an alarming level is reflected in the fact that the IRC is not conducting blood donation camps in the city to mark the World Red Cross Day on Friday. Post-bifurcation, Vijayawada is deemed the headquarters of the IRC State society.
Krishna District Red Cross Society honorary secretary A. Sridhar Reddy recently represented the new Andhra Pradesh Red Cross Society at a function held at Rashtrapati Bhavan. He received the award given to the State for outstanding services extended to the public during natural calamities.
“Between 200 and 300 persons used to donate blood during each camp when the Chiranjeevi Blood Bank was active. But, no one is coming forward to donate blood to the Red Cross society now. There is a huge increase in the number of private blood banks. There are more than 20 blood banks in the city today. Private blood banks collect blood from relatives of patients, and they charge between Rs. 1,000 to Rs 1,500 a bag,” Dr. Sridhar Reddy said.
Blood available with the Rotary-Red Cross Blood Banks is safe as it is tested for HIV, different strains of Hepatitis and other illnesses.
