THANDI XABA
The country is facing a shortage of blood in the blood banks which could be putting lives at risk.
According SA National Blood Services spokesperson Vanessa Raju the banks have enough blood for only 1.7 days, whereas ideally there should be enough for at least five days. She says that low blood stocks or no blood means that people could die.
Raju says during the winter season it is a difficult time for maintaining blood stocks since the cold weather and flu badly affect the collections and it is worse during the school holidays and long weekends since people who usually donate blood are away.
She further makes an urgent appeal to public to make it a priority to donate, or if they are legible to become a donor or due to donate, to call 0800 119 031 to find out where the nearest centre is.
