The Nepal Red Cross Society (NRCS) has urgently appealed to the public to donate blood after stocks of blood and blood components were depleted at the Central Blood Transfusion Service amid declining donations during the Dashain holidays and continued demand from hospitals.

Dr Prakash Yadav, chief of the Central Blood Transfusion Service operated by the NRCS, said stocks of whole blood, packed red blood cells (PRBC) and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) had run out across all blood groups, making it difficult to meet the requirements of patients receiving treatment at hospitals.

He urged healthy men and women aged 18 and above to come forward for blood donation, particularly voluntary donors who have completed at least three months since their previous donation. The shortage has emerged as blood donation programmes declined during the Dashain holidays, while hospitals continued to require blood and its components for patients.

NRCS President Dr Bishal Kumar Bhandari has appealed to voluntary blood donors and organisations to organise blood donation programmes to help replenish depleted stocks. Bhandari said blood collection had declined during the holidays, particularly as offices and educational institutions that regularly organise donation campaigns remained less active.

Stocks of whole blood, packed red blood cells and platelet-rich plasma have been depleted across all blood groups, raising concerns over meeting patients’ needs.

The society has called for renewed participation from individuals, institutions and community organisations to support the supply of blood to patients in need. According to NRCS General Secretary Rishi Khanal, the society operates blood transfusion service centres and units at 120 locations across 73 districts of Nepal.

The network plays an important role in collecting, processing and distributing blood to hospitals and patients across the country. People seeking blood for patients or wishing to donate can contact the Central Blood Transfusion Service at 01-5388485 or 01-5388486. The NRCS toll-free number is 1130.

The society has also encouraged the public to download the NRCS BTS Mobile App from the Google Play Store for information about blood transfusion services.

The NRCS has urged eligible donors not to delay donating blood, stressing the importance of voluntary donations in maintaining supplies and supporting patients who depend on timely transfusions.