“Jen” had to prepare 2 bags of blood before the second child was born by caesarean delivery in March.
“‘Yong hospital din mismo wala silang ano, dugo talaga doon so kailangan maghanap ako,” said “Jen.”
According to the Department of Health’s (DOH) National Voluntary Blood Services Program, the COVID-19 pandemic affected their blood supply.
In 2020, they said, the blood supply of the National Voluntary Blood Services Program dropped by 1,041,037 bags or 22 percent compared to previous years.
“Bumaba po ang collection natin ng dugo mula po noong mayroon tayong mga lockdowns at mayroon po tayong mga restriction,” said Marites Estrella, program manager of DOH National Voluntary Blood Services Program.
As a result, the agency called for more blood donors.
They no longer need an RT-PCR test to donate.
To become a blood donor, here are the following requirements:
- Must weigh 110 pounds or 50 kilograms
- 18-65 years old
- Not pregnant
- No tattoos or body piercings
- Did not drink alcoholic beverages
- There are no medical conditions such as cancer, heart or lung disease, and HIV-AIDS
- Blood pressure and pulse are normal
Also read: Health care utilization in NCR can be considered in ‘safe zone’
DOH called for more blood donors
According to Estralla, the blood supply should remain adequate, especially since some patients with COVID-19 also need a blood transfusion.
“Mayroon tayong mga pasyente na nagka-COVID na mayroong nagda-dialysis araw-araw, mayroon tayong mga bumaba ang hemoglobin at kailangan nilang salinan, mayroon po tayong mga pasyente din na nagka-COVID na bumababa po iyong mga platelet concentrate nila,” said Estrella.
The DOH has also formed a “Blood Services Network” with the Philippine Red Cross and local government units.
Through intensified coordination, the shortage in the supply of blood banks and hospitals is being filled.
According to Philippine Red Cross Chairman Sen. Richard Gordon, the supply of their blood banks is adequate in the midst of the pandemic.
The Red Cross also has a program that seeks blood donors in the barangays.
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