SA’s blood stocks could run out in 48 hours - SANBS
The South African National Blood Service says it's at risk of running out of stocks in the next two days.
The blood bank’s making a desperate appeal for donations, saying this is to avoid a crisis in the country's healthcare system.
The SANBS's Sfiso Khoza says the current shortage is already affecting patient care.
Khoza says the notion that donations are only needed during the holidays is untrue.
He explains that they need at least five days' cover to meet the daily demand.
"If we don't have enough blood to give to cancer patients, the mothers giving birth and the pre-mature babies, it will mean that some of the people may lose their lives. We actually need 3500 units of blood every single day of the year and unfortunately, we never get to this. One unit of blood can save up to three lives.
Our fixed donor sites are always open from Monday to Saturday, from 8 in the morning up until 4 in the afternoon."
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