National Center for Blood Services (Censsa) Director Raises Alarm Over Drastic Decrease in Blood Donations

The director of the National Center for Blood Services (Censsa) Elsi Nidia Vargas expressed her concern about the obvious decrease in the number of blood donors, from 150 to 50 people per day. Donation requests are increasing, so they urge people to go to the nearest blood banks to cover the patients’ needs.

“The number of donors actually decreased this holiday season. But we must consider that hospitals do not close and we are also open on holidays. And much more striking is that diseases do not know about vacations,” he told 780 AM.

The need for blood is directly related to the increase in traffic accidents, traumas and scheduled surgeries, as he expressed. “This call is especially for people with a positive ORh group to come and donate because it is what we use the most because the Paraguayan population has a high percentage of that group,” she said.

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Thus, blood from the ORh-negative group is also required, preferably for children from the Pediatric Hospital and the National Cancer Institute (Incan). “It is a minority population that has that group and therefore we need those people who are known to have that group, to go to the blood banks that are closest to them to be able to cover the needs of our patients,” he said. .

At least 100 donors are needed per day, but sometimes it increases to 150. “That decreased quite a bit, in December it decreased to 50%. Now in January with all the promotions and awareness that we are doing through social networks, it decreased between 20 to 25%. And it is difficult for us to meet the needs of the hospitals,” she remarked.

There are certain requirements to be a giver: having a weight greater than 50 kilos and between 18 to 70 years of age. If the person had dengue or covid, it is recommended to wait a month to donate, and they must also lead a healthy lifestyle.

“If the person has a tattoo, they can donate perfectly after a year, there is no problem. If you are hypertensive and are taking your medication, we measure your pressure before drawing the blood and if you are well you can donate. The diabetic person can also donate and donating will not leave them weak,” she stressed. Given the shortage of donors, Censsa appeals to people’s solidarity so that they can come and make the donation to help those who need this vital resource and save lives.

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2024-01-28 23:05:57
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