Rare Blood Type Shortage: Mega-Donation Seeks 1,500 Pints

The president of the Blood Donors Association (BDA) in Mauritius, Dewanand Hossen, has raised the alarm over a persistent shortage of rare, negative-type blood groups, calling them a “real headache.”

Immediate Crisis: Rare Blood Shortfall

Mr. Hossen stated that the scarcity of rare, negative blood groups is causing concern, citing a case this year where a patient needing such a type faced a wait of “several days” before a supply could be secured.

The BDA is appealing urgently to donors with rare blood types to come forward regularly to maintain a constant supply.

Mr. Hossen emphasised that blood donation “doesn’t only save lives, but also offers a second chance to a sick person or someone awaiting an operation.”

Mass Drive to Boost National Reserves

To combat the overall demand surge expected during the festive season—a period often marked by a rise in medical emergencies and last-minute surgery—the BDA is calling for mass participation in a Mega Blood Donation drive.

• The event will take place on 17th December in the court of the Port-Louis Municipality.
• It is scheduled to run from 6 am to 6 pm.
• The association’s ambitious target is to collect approximately 1,500 pints of blood to strengthen national reserves before the holidays.
• Mr. Hossen urged the public to attend, saying: “We want this festive period to pass without the slightest problem. We invite every Mauritian to make a noble gesture on 17th December. Come in huge numbers and make a gesture of solidarity.”

Stable Overall Reserves, But Vigilance Needed

Despite the alarming shortage of rare blood, the BDA reported an otherwise positive assessment of the year.

Thanks to multiple collection drives across the island, the national blood bank is judged to be stable and ready to cope with end-of-year demands.

The president confirmed, “Reserves are stable and we have enough pints to meet various needs.”

However, Mr. Hossen stressed the need for continued vigilance, noting that accidents and emergency interventions at the end of the year are a reality that often requires an “exceptional availability of pints.”

He attributed the current stability to a collective effort between donors, volunteers, and organisers.

Source: Defi Media