SANBS appeals for donors, extends operating hours
The country's blood bank says hospitals will have to put some medical procedures on hold if the province's current supply of 1.4 days does not go up within 24 hours.
The South African National Blood Service says it is in need of a healthy supply of five days.
The service's Sifiso Khoza says they have extended the operating hours at all blood donor centres today.
"Unfortunately, the doctors are forced to postpone some operations, which can be done at a later stage but we try as much as possible to assist anyone in need because we are here to save lives.
"Unfortunately, the bulk of all the blood, and the limited resources that we have, goes towards helping mothers during child birth and towards premature babies. Those cannot be postponed," he said.
ALSO READ: INFOGRAPHIC: World Blood Donor Day
Blood supply in the country is at 2.2 days.