Dakshina Kannada Red Cross sees 50% rise in blood donation

MANGALURU: While many blood banks in the state are facing shortages, the Indian Red Cross Society’s arm in Dakshina Kannada district has recorded a 50 per cent increase in blood supply.
A decentralised model followed by NGOs working in the field, networking, regular small blood-donation camps and frequent appeals to donors have helped in ensuring adequate stocks in the district.
“Before the pandemic, the Red Cross in Dakshina Kannada was supplying 1,000 units per month on average.This has now increased 1,600-1,700 units per month,” said CA Shantaram Shetty, the chairman of the society’s district arm, which is supplying blood to several hospitals. “Because of Covid-19, many blood banks stopped conducting donation camps. At least five hospitals with blood banks now depend on us. We also help centres in Bengaluru, Dharwad and Davanagere.”
The Red Cross provides about 250 units per month to Government Lady Goschen Hospital in Mangaluru. “We have been motivating donors and organising frequent small camps. Though the current situation is challenging, we have managed to meet blood requirements. This month, we have already dispensed 800 units. The district arm is receiving great support from deputy commissioner KV Rajendra, who has been encouraging plasma donation,” Shetty said.
There are several organisations in Dakshina Kannada that focus on blood donation, adopting a decentralised model. Thajuddin Tarly, the district in-charge of SKSSF Viqaya Blood Donors’ Forum, said: “We have 12 zones, each with a separate in-charge. A representative is constantly in touch with blood banks and hospitals. In a 40-day period, from August 19 and September 30, we organised 18 blood donation awareness camps in every zone and collected nearly 1,300 units.”
The efforts did not stop during the lockdown. “We ensured volunteers were picked up and dropped off. Volunteers have donated 62 units of plasma, travelling to Bengaluru for the process initially. Whenever blood banks inform us that there is a shortage, we organise camps,” he said.
Dr Shamee Shastry, who heads the department of immunohematology and blood transfusion at Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, said that weekly donation drives had greatly helped maintain the supply.