Despite the extended Lunar New Year holiday, the blood donation point at the National Institute of Hematology and Blood Transfusion is still open to welcome people to donate blood and platelets. Many people have taken advantage of their free time to participate in this meaningful activity as a way to start the new year with good luck.
During the 9-day Tet holiday (January 25 - February 2), the Institute received 2,019 blood and platelet donations, including 1,390 blood donors and 629 platelet donors. On average, the Institute received 154 units of blood and 70 units of platelets per day - a number that remained stable compared to the same period in 2024.
During the holiday, the Institute provided more than 4,600 blood products, of which red blood cells alone accounted for over 1,700 units, supporting 76 medical facilities in 18 provinces/cities.
Many doctors and nurses also take time to donate blood and platelets to help ensure supplies for patients. MSc. Dr. Hoang Chi Cuong, who has been on duty on New Year's Eve for many years, continues to maintain the habit of donating platelets at the beginning of the year. Notably, the 29th of Tet marked Dr. Cuong's 200th platelet donation.
To prepare for the need for blood reserves before the holiday, from January 20 to 24, the Institute provided over 13,000 units of red blood cells and over 6,500 blood products. In particular, January 21 recorded a record of providing 3,739 units of red blood cells, ensuring blood supply for medical facilities in 26 provinces/cities, including remote localities such as Dien Bien, Lai Chau, Son La, Can Tho, Quang Binh...
Associate Professor, Dr. Tran Ngoc Que, Director of the National Blood Center, National Institute of Hematology and Blood Transfusion, shared that the demand for blood is usually stable, blood is needed every day, every hour for emergency and treatment. Depending on the needs of patients, the demand can increase very high before and after Tet. On average, the Institute needs about 9,500 units of blood per week, but during Tet it can increase to 10,000 - 10,500 units.
The main reason for the high demand for blood during Tet is that patients often need blood transfusions before the holiday to ensure their health to celebrate Tet with their families. After Tet, they return to the hospital, creating great pressure on medical facilities.
The National Institute of Hematology and Blood Transfusion calls on people with good health, especially those with blood type O, to continue donating blood after Tet to maintain the supply for treatment. The Spring Festival with the theme "Spring Blood Donation - Multiplying Happiness" will take place from February 8 to February 16, creating an opportunity for the community to join hands to bring life to patients.
