Despite an increase in the number of government as well as private blood banks across major parts of Chhattisgarh, the supply of different blood groups (both positive and negative) remains insufficient to meet the growing demand among the population. The requirement for blood has surged due to rising health and emergency needs, prompting people to crowd blood banks in search of vital supplies. However, a lack of awareness continues to discourage many from donating blood in State, and as a result, most blood banks are struggling to maintain adequate stock and meet demand. It may be mentioned here that currently 31 registered government blood banks are functional across Chhattisgarh, while 20 private blood banks are also operating in State to provide blood of different groups to patients. However, these blood banks are able to meet only about 45 to 60 per cent of the monthly requirement. In the case of negative blood groups, the situation is more critical, with only around 30 percent of the requirement being fulfilled. This shortfall is especially serious for patients suffering from thalassemia, sickle cell anaemia and blood cancer, who require regular transfusions and are often forced to travel to other states such as Maharashtra and Telangana for treatment. In recent years, some government employees, socially active citizens, NGO workers and college students associated with NCC and NSS have stepped forward to support blood donation efforts.

 

However, their contribution is still not sufficient to meet the needs of patients suffering from such blood disorders, particularly those from smaller districts who remain dependent on Raipur, Bilaspur and Durg for transfusions. Due to shortages of blood across several groups, patients are frequently compelled to arrange replacement donors or spend thousands of rupees to obtain the required units. In cases involving negative blood groups, family members are often asked by blood bank staff to donate any available blood type in exchange. Dr Deb Sinha, Pathologist, said that due to the rise in cases of anaemia, accidents and cancers, the demand for blood has increased by over 100 percent in the last five years. Although the number of donors has also increased, it still falls short of the requirement, he added. Even pathology departments of medical colleges and district hospitals regularly organise blood donation camps and awareness workshops in collaboration with NGOs and NSS units of colleges and universities. However, a large section of people, including many educated individuals, still remain reluctant to donate blood. Dr K.R. Sonwani, Deputy Director and In-charge of Blood Banks in Chhattisgarh Health Services, stated that most blood banks maintain a maximum stock of around 500 units per month, whereas in cities like Raipur and Bhilai-Durg the monthly requirement from each blood bank ranges between 700 and 900 units. He appealed to people to understand the seriousness of the situation and come forward to donate blood.