SUBHASH MISHRA
Dhanbad, Nov 11: Amid a growing blood shortage in government-run hospitals, the Jharkhand chapter of the Indian Medical Association (IMA) has stepped in to mitigate the crisis.
In an official communiqué, the association has appealed to all district chapters and members to organize blood donation camps on a priority basis to support state medical colleges and sadar hospitals struggling to meet patients’ needs.
Severe shortage at RIMS, MGMMCH and SNMMCH
According to official records, Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), Ranchi, faces a daily shortfall of 50 to 60 blood units, while Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Medical College and Hospital (MGMMCH), Jamshedpur, reports a 50% deficit in its daily requirement. MGMMCH needs around 1,500 units of blood per month, but manages to collect only 700–800 units.
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At Shahid Nirmal Mahto Medical College and Hospital (SNMMCH), Dhanbad, Blood Bank in-charge Dr. Brajkishore Pandey said the daily demand is 100 units, but the hospital receives only about 50 units.
The IMA said that if premier institutions like RIMS are facing acute shortages, the situation in smaller government hospitals can easily be imagined.
IMA issues statewide appeal for donations
Expressing concern over the alarming shortfall, IMA state president Dr. A.K. Singh and secretary Dr. Pradeep Kumar Singh have urged social organizations and volunteers to come forward and donate blood free of cost.
They emphasized that the scarcity is hampering emergency care, surgical operations, maternity services, and ICU treatment across Jharkhand.
“Due to shortage of blood, emergency operations and patient care, especially in maternity and intensive care units, have been badly affected. To meet this urgent need, we must organize blood donation camps at the earliest,” the IMA leaders said in their joint appeal issued on Monday evening.
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Dr. A.K. Singh and Dr. Pradeep Kumar Singh reminded members that the IMA Jharkhand has always prioritized the welfare of patients. They recalled how doctors in the state had sacrificed their lives during the COVID-19 pandemic while serving the public, reiterating that the medical fraternity remains committed to saving lives in every possible way.
