Hubballi blood banks appeal for donors as heat curbs turnout

HUBBALLI: Blood centres in the city are battling a severe summer shortage as extreme heat has sharply reduced donations, affecting hospital supplies and delaying treatment for some patients.

Compared to the same period last year, the shortfall has worsened significantly during March and April - months that typically see a seasonal dip in collections. This year, blood centres reported a steeper fall as high temperatures discouraged regular donors from stepping out.

Dattamurthy Kulkarni of Rashtrotthana Blood Center said summer usually brings a decline in voluntary donations, but the ongoing heatwave has made the situation far more serious. "Many donors are avoiding travel in extreme weather. Others are postponing donations due to dehydration, fatigue and other heat-related concerns," he said.

The drop has made it difficult to maintain stocks of essential blood groups needed for surgeries, emergency care, accident victims and patients on long-term treatment. Hospital demand, blood centres said, has remained steady despite the seasonal fall in supply.

Hospitals across Hubballi have begun to feel the impact. In some instances, procedures were delayed because required units were not immediately available.

The shortage has also increased pressure on staff, who have appealed to voluntary donors, social organisations, colleges and community groups to organise blood donation drives. Medical experts said healthy individuals can donate safely during summer if they stay hydrated and follow medical advice.

Kulkarni warned the shortage could deepen if high temperatures persist and more people do not come forward.

Dr Kavitha Yevoor, in charge of KMC-RI, said blood units were in short supply in recent days due to the heat, adding the impact was greater this summer than last year. To manage emergencies, blood was collected from KMC-RI students who donated voluntarily.

Dr Sridhar Dandappanavar of Chitaguppi Hospital (HDMC) said three patients faced a shortage over the past 10 days, though the hospital managed to arrange units. He said the shortage became noticeable in recent days.