Logo of Phnom Penh Post newspaper Phnom Penh Post - Khmer New Year’s blood stocks only at 50%: NBTC

Khmer New Year’s blood stocks only at 50%: NBTC

Content image - Phnom Penh Post
A nurse donates blood ahead of the Khmer New Year. CAMBODIA BLOOD SERVICE

Khmer New Year’s blood stocks only at 50%: NBTC

The National Blood Transfusion Centre (NBTC) has warned that blood stocks for use by potential victims of accidents during the Khmer New Year period are “only at 50 per cent” capacity, according to its top official.

The Ministry of Health said it was seeking to prepare and distribute “about 1,000” bags of blood among the country’s hospitals for emergency use by victims of traffic and other accidents during the upcoming New Year holiday. However, there are only 500 bags of blood in stock at the moment, according to NBTC director Sok Po.

Po told The Post that the removal of celebration restrictions for Khmer New Year after a two-year suspension means that more people will travel on the roads to visit relatives in their provincial hometowns, or visit more destinations than in previous years, both of which will inevitably lead to more accidents on the road.

Accordingly, a higher than normal supply is required in the national blood bank to ensure adequate treatment for the increased number of accident victims.

In order to curb the shortfall, the NBTC said it is planning to hold a blood donation drive on April 8. The day-long event will be held at Calmette Hospital from 9am to 4pm.

Po said the blood donated at this event will be distributed to hospitals across the country, with 500 bags to be provided to Phnom Penh area medical facilities, and 100 bags to be delivered to Battambang, Siem Reap, Takeo and Kampong Cham, which have their own provincial blood banks.

Other provinces have prepared about 20 bags of blood at their provincial hospitals. In case of high demand, Po said, all provincial hospitals can request more supply of blood from facilities in populous provinces or directly from the NBTC.

Meanwhile, he called on those who are able to donate blood on April 8 to do so based on the “spirit of unity and humanitarianism” to help save the lives of potential victims.

“Blood cannot be produced in factories, pharmaceutical enterprises or any scientific technical institution,” Po said. “The survival of victims depends on donations [of blood] from healthy people.”

He also reminded Cambodians to be more aware of travel safety, and to ensure that they comply with traffic laws to reduce the rate of traffic accidents.

A National Police report on April 4 showed that traffic accidents across the country that day left 15 people dead and 11 with serious and minor injuries, the highest daily number of casualties since the government announced the reopening of the country in mid-November.

Cambodia’s blood supply requirement to ensure all patients in the Kingdom receive adequate care has recently increased from 250 to 300 sacks per month. At the moment, donations count for only 10 per cent of that figure, according to the NBTC report.

MOST VIEWED

  • Tensions high ahead of historic Kun Khmer match up

    The long-awaited November 5 matchup between Kun Khmer legend Prum Samnang and Myanmar-Canadian boxer Dave Leduc has become the most anticipated fight of the year. The Wurkz Sena Kun Khmer promotion, which will be held at the Town Arena at Chip Mong 271 Megamall, will see six

  • Manet: Cambodia safe for travel

    Prime Minister Hun Manet acknowledged that Cambodia and China have cooperated to tackle internet scamming, fraud and other cross border crimes, but insisted that the “Kingdom of Wonders” is completely peaceful and safe. He welcomed tourists to come and explore its rich heritage. During a

  • UNESCO formally list Battambang gastronomy

    Battambang, renowned for its cultural heritage, has achieved a significant milestone as the first Cambodian municipality to join the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN). The UCCN unites nearly 300 cities prioritising creativity and cultural industries in local development plans and international cooperation. On World Cities Day,

  • Cambodia pivots to solar, wind energy

    Cambodia is planning a move towards solar and wind energy to meet its rising power demands, according to Minister of Mines and Energy Keo Rottanak. On the sidelines of the Singapore International Energy Week event held recently, Rottanak emphasised the urgency of diversifying Cambodia’s

  • Angkor causeway symbol of Cambodia-Japan ties

    In a historic moment marking another milestone in the 70-year-long diplomatic relations between Cambodia and Japan, King Norodom Sihamoni celebrated the formal inauguration of a causeway located to the west of the world-renowned Angkor Wat. While presiding over the November 4 ceremony, the King emphasised the

  • Manet calls for Cambodia’s railways to get back on track

    Prime Minister Hun Manet has instructed the relevant authorities to expedite studies into upgrades to the Phnom Penh to Preah Sihanouk railway line. He suggested that the maximum speed on the line should be increased to 80km/h, in order to expedite the transportation of