Bangkok: The National Blood Centre, Thai Red Cross Society, has issued an urgent call for citizens across Thailand to donate blood in response to the severe flooding crisis affecting the southern region. Over 135 hospitals in the area have been designated as blood donation sites, along with the National Blood Centre and the National Blood Service Center operating in 11 provinces nationwide.
According to Thai News Agency, Associate Professor Dr. Dujjai Chaiwanichsiri, Director of the National Blood Centre, highlighted the challenges faced by the three primary national blood service centers in the southern region. These centers, located in Nakhon Si Thammarat, Songkhla, and Phuket Provinces, have been unable to access their designated blood donation sites due to the extensive flooding. The ongoing heavy rain has further complicated efforts, leading to a significant reduction in blood donations and a critical shortage of blood reserves.
This shortage has severely impacted patient care, particularly for surgical and emergency patients, as well as those with chronic illnesses who require regular blood transfusions. Some hospitals have been forced to transfer patients to larger facilities in nearby areas to ensure they receive necessary treatment. In response, the National Blood Centre is rallying the entire nation to participate in the "Thai Hearts Unite to Donate Blood to Overcome the Southern Flood Crisis" campaign, aiming to replenish the blood supply for affected hospitals in the region.