KZN blood stocks deplete to one day
SANBS reaches critical situation with just one day of blood stock left.
SOUTH African National Blood Service (SANBS) has confirmed that, as of this morning, KwaZulu-Natal only has enough blood in stock to last just one day.
According to Makhosazana Mdlalose, DA Health spokesman, these stocks are vital to be able to conduct emergency surgeries.
“If the situation does not improve rapidly, all hospitals will not have access to enough blood to conduct life-saving surgeries,” she said.
The SANBS hopes that blood drives in high schools throughout the province will be able to reverse the shortage by next week, but until then, KZN runs the serious risk of running out of blood. This is an extremely dangerous situation and must be reversed as soon as possible.
Mdlalose said the health MEC Sibongiseni Dhlomo has let the province down by allowing stocks to reach crisis levels.
“People’s lives are at stake and urgent action must be taken,” added Mdlalose.
The DA is urging all its members as well as members of the public to donate blood as soon as possible. By donating blood, we can all help to save lives.
To donate blood, you have to be between the ages of 16 and 65 years, weigh more than 50kg, be in good health and live a sexually safe lifestyle.
To contact the nearest donor centre call 0800 11 9031 or visit the website: www.sanbs.org.za
