Amid surging dengue cases: Urgent call for blood donations

CEBU, Philippines — As dengue cases continue to surge across Cebu, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) has issued an urgent appeal for blood donations.

Lawyer Maria Vera De Jesus, PRC-Cebu Chapter administrator, emphasized that the current blood supply, while adequate, could quickly become insufficient if the number of cases continues to increase.

“Sa laki po kasi ng demand, as of today, siguro sasabihin ko po safe naman yung statistics natin. Pero kasi pabago-bago, we have to identify ilan na ba talaga ang data natin ng mga patient na merong dengue,” she said.

De Jesus stressed the importance of not being complacent about blood supply, as the number of dengue is unpredictable and can change rapidly.

“Hindi natin alam ang galaw ng datos at hindi din natin alam kung kailan tatagal ang stocks ng inventory natin…. Hindi tayo pwede makampante,” said De Jesus.

She said PRC has enough supply and even sent additional supply to other provinces, which is an indication that its stock is sufficient for now.

For example, Southern Leyte received 10 bags last month.

“Hindi po kritikal kasi nakakapag-augment pa tayo pero maari din naman natin nararamdaman na kritikal na dahil diretso lang ang ating campaign and blood donation,” De Jesus said.

In Central Visayas, the PRC operates one main blood center and five blood collection units or blood stations. These stations are located in Jagobiao, Mandaue City; Bogo City; Lapu-Lapu City; and one in Negros Oriental; and another in Bohol.

As of September 4, the PRC has 99 units of red blood cells, 511 units of fresh and frozen plasma, and 31 units of platelet concentrates, which are typically used for dengue patients.

De Jesus said they noted a decrease in the number of donors due to various factors, including health issues. Additionally, not all potential donors are accepted because they fail the pre-screening and physical exams.

The PRC has also accommodated 35 patients with 80 units of platelet concentrates and two units of platelet apheresis.

“Ang Philippine Red Cross po ay palaging bukas 24/7 simula Lunes hangang Linggo at ito po ay tumatanggap ng mga walk-in blood donors simula alas 8 ng umaga hanggang alas kwatro nang hapon,” said De Jesus. — /RHM (FREEMAN)