Demand for blood increasing in Jhapa

Jhapa, May 9: It has revealed that HIV infection (reactive) was found in the blood of 29 donors over the past five fiscal years in Jhapa.     

The fact emerged during testing at the blood transfusion service centre operated by the Nepal Red Cross Society Jhapa branch.     

In order to ensure a safe blood supply, the Society has been running blood transfusion service centres in Bhadrapur, Birtamod and Damak in Jhapa.     

It was disclosed during the mandatory laboratory testing of blood samples collected for infectious diseases such as HIV, hepatitis B, hepatitis C and syphilis before its transfusing to patients.     

In-charge of the Bhadrapur blood transfusion service centre, Shishir Dahal informed that one donor was found HIV positive in blood tests during the fiscal year 2078/79. It increased to two in 2079/80, six in 2080/81, 14 in 2081/82 and six in 2082/83, he shared.     

He further stated that when blood tested at the service centre is found with HIV positive, it is referred for further testing and counseling for confirmation.     

More than 17,000 units of safe blood have been supplied annually to hospitals in Jhapa through the blood transfusion service centre of the Nepal Red Cross Society, Dahal informed.     

There are over 5,000 voluntary blood donors in the district. Blood shortages often occur in the district with meager blood donation programmes during the monsoon season and peak farming periods.     

The demand for blood is also increasing as the number of patients with cancer, kidney disease, anemia and other conditions rises.     The Red Cross has stated that the tests conducted before and after blood donation play a crucial role in protecting patients from potential infections.(RSS)