Severe blood shortage in Dakshina Kannada district blood banks
For the first time, blood collection at Wenlock Hospital drops to double digits
Mangaluru: Hospitals in Dakshina Kannada district are facing a severe shortage of blood in their blood banks, creating a challenging situation for both patients and healthcare providers.
Over the past 15 days, the shortage has worsened, making it difficult for patients in need of regular dialysis or those suffering from heavy blood loss due to accidents to get timely treatment. Relatives of patients have reportedly been struggling to arrange for blood.
The summer holidays in schools and colleges, coupled with ongoing exams, have led to a sharp decline in voluntary blood donations, particularly from students. As a result, blood donation camps are currently not being organized, further aggravating the crisis.
In response, blood banks across the district have begun awareness campaigns to address the shortfall. Wenlock District Hospital, which usually maintains higher reserves than other facilities, is also experiencing a drop in blood collection for the first time.
During the COVID-19 lockdown, while donation drives were reduced, Wenlock Hospital managed to avoid a crisis. However, officials now confirm that this is the first time such a severe shortage has hit the facility.
There are 13 blood banks in the district, and all are currently facing shortages. Some banks follow a return policy, where recipients must replenish the blood they receive. At the Red Cross blood bank, blood is available upon payment of a fixed fee, and even there, the shortage is now apparent.
Wenlock Hospital, which typically collects around 300 units of blood, has seen its reserves fall drastically to just 90 units, the first time it has dropped to double digits.
Noticing the crisis, blood donor Siddique from Manjeshwar and his team stepped in to support the cause. On Sunday, they provided 20 units of blood to Wenlock Hospital’s blood bank, confirmed Dr. Sharath Kumar, the hospital’s blood bank officer.
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Speaker UT Khader attends local cricket tournament during Bhatkal visit
Bhatkal: Speaker of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly U. T. Khader visited Bhatkal in Uttara Kannada district on Saturday and attended a local cricket match being played as part of a tournament organised by the Cosmos Sports Centre of Bhatkal.
After attending a programme at Anjuman Hami-E-Muslimeen, Khader proceeded to the Bhatkal Taluka Stadium, where the tournament is underway. He was accompanied by office-bearers of the Cosmos Sports Centre and several local community leaders.
Those present during the visit included President of Majlis-e-Islah Wa Tanzeem and former JD(S) leader Inayathullah Shabandri, Vice President of Tanzeem Atiqur Rahman Muniri, General Secretary Abdul Raqeeb MJ, President of Cosmos Sports Centre Ismail Anjum, Managing Director of Mohtisham Complexes S. M. Arshad, former president of the Bhatkal Muslim Youth Federation Imtiyaz Udyawar, among others.
Addressing players and organisers, Khader extended his best wishes to the participating teams and urged the players to uphold the spirit of sportsmanship. He said such tournaments help promote unity and brotherhood among the youth.
The cricket tournament began on November 21 and will conclude with the final match on December 21. It is being organised as part of the golden jubilee celebrations of the Cosmos Sports Centre.
Cosmos Sports Centre is one of the member clubs of the Bhatkal Muslim Youth Federation and is known for its active role in promoting sports in the town. Apart from sporting activities, the centre is also involved in various social and community initiatives, including efforts to promote education among students.
