KZN blood stock at emergency levels, with three-day supply
The SA National Blood Service says the country's blood stock is currently at crisis point.
The whole of South Africa currently has a 48-hour supply, while KZN only has 36-hours' worth of blood in the bank.
The recommended supply is for five days. KZN residents are being urged to give the gift of life ahead of the festive season when thousands flock to the province.
An increase in road accidents at this time of the year often puts the supply under extra strain. A blood drive is being held in Umhlanga Hospital - north of Durban today.
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Officials want to collect 500 units of blood - the amount needed every day here in KZN. Spokesperson, Sifiso Khoza says teams will be working overtime in the coming weeks so they can collect as much blood as possible.
"At 48 hours throughout the country, everybody will have to hang on to what they've got. We have more than 125 mobile units throughout the country. In KZN alone, we have more than 35 mobile units.
"I'm sure each and everyone should be able to get to us and give 30 minutes of their time. If everyone comes forward to give a litre of blood, we will never find ourselves in this situation," he said.
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