Kathmandu, August 26
The Nepal Red Cross Society says it is on standby to manage blood and other medical supplies that may be needed to treat those injured or affected by the flood in Rasuwa.
Anticipating a possible emergency, the Red Cross is coordinating with hospitals and blood transfusion centers in various districts.
According to Pawan Kumar Gupta, director of the Nepal Red Cross Society’s blood bank, around 1,000 units of blood are currently in stock at the center in Kathmandu. He said blood supplies at transfusion centers in other districts across the country are also sufficient as needed.
Gupta said the Red Cross is coordinating with relevant hospitals and health institutions in view of the possibility that blood may be needed to treat those injured in the Rasuwa flood, and that it remains in constant contact with health workers and units involved in emergency treatment and trauma care in particular.
“Right now we have an adequate blood stock. Coordination with hospitals is ongoing in light of the Rasuwa incident,” Gupta said. “We are on standby to make blood available immediately if needed.”
He said transfusion centers in various districts also have the necessary stock, adding that Dhading and Chitwan also have sufficient supplies.
Since a flood could suddenly increase demand for blood if many people are injured in one area at once, the Red Cross has prepared to manage blood supplies as needed by coordinating between districts. If demand rises in any district, it says, available blood there will be used, and if necessary, blood will be brought in from other districts to meet the need.
Gupta said there is no immediate problem with the current blood stock, but since the number of injured could rise suddenly during a disaster, demand from hospitals and blood requirements are being continuously monitored.
Coordination between hospitals, health institutions, and Red Cross blood transfusion centers has been prioritized to prevent any blood shortage in treating those affected or injured by the Rasuwa flood. The Red Cross says it has kept its mechanism active to make blood available immediately if required.
Since demand for blood tends to rise during disasters and emergencies, the Red Cross has also urged people to continue donating blood regularly. It says that although current stocks are sufficient, since the disaster situation could persist for a while, blood donation and transfusion management should continue with future needs in mind as well.
Gupta made clear that the Red Cross is prepared to ensure no blood shortage arises in treating those injured by the Rasuwa flood, and stands ready to manage blood supplies immediately as needed.
He also said coordination is underway for collection with the Voluntary Blood Donors Society Nepal, the Blood Donors Association Nepal, various organizations involved in blood donation, and other donors.
