Thalassaemia and other rare disease patients in Hyderabad are experiencing difficulties due to a shortage of blood reserves. The Thalassemia and Sickle Cell Society (TSCS) members have reported a severe shortage of blood for the past two months, mainly due to the recent election campaign. The TSCS usually keeps 600-700 units of blood at any given time, but currently only has 100 units available. This shortage is causing hardship in meeting the daily requirements of the patients.
According to officials from the Red Cross Blood Bank and private blood banks, there have been very few blood donation camps organized in the last two months. This has further contributed to the scarcity of blood supply. Aleem Baig, joint secretary of TSCS, stated that over 3,000 patients registered in the society rely on regular blood transfusions, which are crucial for their survival. However, with no blood camps organized in the past month, meeting the demand has become challenging. Despite awareness campaigns, many people are still hesitant to come forward and donate blood.
Social activist Amar has also noticed a drastic shortage of blood in blood banks over the past two months. Even rare blood groups are not available in stock. Family members of patients have been reaching out for blood requirements, but the turnout for donations is very low. Amar emphasizes the need for more awareness among the public and suggests organizing more blood donation camps in the city every month.
Overall, there is a pressing need for increased awareness and participation in blood donation to address the shortage and meet the needs of thalassaemia and rare disease patients in Hyderabad.
