Prague Hospitals Warn of Critical Blood Shortages
Several hospitals in Prague are reporting critically low blood supplies, prompting the Czech Ministry of Health to urge people to donate blood in the coming days. The shortage is affecting more than individual blood groups. Hospitals and transfusion centers in several parts of the Czech Republic are reporting a broader decline in available supplies, with some facilities nearing the minimum levels needed to maintain safe operations. The situation differs from one region to another. Some transfusion centers still have adequate reserves, while others are short of particular blood groups or are approaching critical levels. The shortage also extends to individual blood components. In Prague, the Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine (IKEM) is currently seeking more platelet donors regardless of blood type. People planning to donate are advised to check the latest information on the website or social media channels of their chosen transfusion center before visiting. Why hospitals need more donors Hospitals depend on regular blood donations not only during emergencies but also for planned medical treatment. Blood is routinely needed for surgery, childbirth and the treatment of patients who require repeated transfusions. This includes some cancer patients whose treatment can interfere with the body’s production of blood cells.... The post Prague Hospitals Warn of Critical Blood Shortages appeared first on Prague Morning .