Cho Ray Hospital supplies blood to the West

Cho Ray Hospital's Blood Transfusion Center (HCMC) supplies 1,000 units of blood each month to Can Tho Blood Transfusion - Hematology Hospital, solving the widespread blood shortage.

On the afternoon of June 8, a representative of Cho Ray Hospital announced the above information, adding that it will provide blood to Can Tho for three months, June-August.

This is the first time hospitals in the Mekong Delta have encountered a widespread blood shortage, due to difficulties in bidding for blood bags. Can Tho Blood Transfusion and Hematology Hospital is the blood coordination center for 74 hospitals in 13 provinces in the Southwest region.

In April and May, Cho Ray also supported 4,000 units of blood for this region, taken from 2% of the blood reserve to respond to natural disasters and catastrophes.

A representative of the Cho Ray Hospital Blood Transfusion Center explained that every year the center prepares enough chemicals, supplies, and human resources to serve Cho Ray and the Southeast region. Each month, Cho Ray receives about 13,000-15,000 units of blood. However, during this period, due to objective factors, the amount of blood received is about 80%, enough to supply the Southeast region and ensure 2% of blood products in reserve in case of natural disasters or catastrophes. Currently, in the emergency situation of the West, Cho Ray draws from this reserve to support.

Regarding platelets - the Western region is in dire need of medical examination and treatment services - due to some strict regulations on the expiry date, coordination and supply are difficult. On the same day, Cho Ray transferred 20 platelet blocks to Can Tho, increasing the number of platelets supported to 27 blocks while 34 blocks are needed.

A representative of Cho Ray said that on average, the center can produce a maximum of 60-65 platelets per day, while the hospital's demand is 50. "Can Tho urgently needs packed red blood cells and platelets, and the center is still trying to coordinate and support," the representative said.

Blood is stored at Cho Ray Hospital. Photo: Provided by the hospital — Blood is stored at Cho Ray Hospital. Photo: *Provided by the hospital*

The shortage of blood and blood products in the West has lasted for more than a year, but has been most serious since March. The region’s monthly need for blood is 12,000-15,000 units. However, hospitals can only meet more than 60% of the need for emergency and treatment.

Faced with this situation, the Ministry of Health requested blood centers nationwide such as the National Institute of Hematology and Blood Transfusion, Cho Ray Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City Blood Transfusion and Hematology Hospital, and Hue Central Hospital to provide support. The Can Tho City People's Committee also approved the budget for purchasing chemicals, supplies, and equipment for the Provincial Blood Transfusion and Hematology Hospital, and allowed the hospital to make immediate purchases to resolve the difficulties.

Every year, Can Tho Blood Transfusion and Hematology Hospital needs about 150 billion VND to purchase new chemicals and medical supplies to ensure the need to collect and supply blood to regional hospitals. Faced with delays due to bidding procedures, the hospital has implemented many procurement packages under 100 million VND according to regulations, but the quantity does not meet actual needs.

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