Lull in donation raises concern of blood shortage

‘Awareness programmes will ensure that regular donors continue to donate blood’

With the COVID-19 vaccination drive picking up pace, the deferral period for blood donation after taking the first or second jab has given way to concerns over a possible shortage of blood. However, blood banks in the city say that while some districts are facing a shortage, awareness programmes would ensure that regular donors continue to donate blood as they used to. At the Tiruchi Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Government Hospital, a list of regular donors is maintained and in case of emergencies, they are directly contacted. “We did experience some difficulties especially when people between 18 to 45-years-old began to get the COVID-19 vaccination, but regular donors understand our need and donate before vaccination and also encourage their friends to do so when they are unable to,” an official at the blood bank said.