Port Moresby City Hospital facing blood shortage

THE current Covid-19 surge has caused serious blood shortage at the Port Moresby General Hospital (PMGH) as donor numbers have dropped, a doctor says.
PMGH blood transfusion centre manager Dr Amos Lano said due to the Covid-19 isolation strategies and travel restrictions, volunteer donors were not coming forward to donate freely as previously.
“It is really a disaster and we are appealing to all our good citizens, especially in National Capital District, business houses, volunteers, church groups and non-government organisations to support this call so that we look after our patients that are urgently needing blood to survive during this crucial period,” he said.

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“We are so serious about the Covid-19, but don’t forget that other medical conditions are also killing people silently so we must donate blood to save lives.
“Despite many of the hospital staff been tested positive, the blood transfusion centre is a high-standard facility with all safety measures fully implemented and our donors safety is highly guaranteed.
“You may not know, it could be you, your children or your other family members that may need blood.
“We all should do our best to support our team of doctors and other health professionals to look after our sick, including those Covid-19 cases, with other medical conditions during this health disaster.”
Dr Lano said many schools, especially upper secondary, technical and universities, were closed for holidays.
They were the hospital’s main suppliers, he said.
He said business houses had also placed temporary restrictions for the safety of their staff and their business operations.
“These are our main suppliers and without them, there is no option.
The National / PNG Health News

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