SANBS: Blood stock critically low at 2.1 days' worth
The South African National Blood Service says blood stocks are severely low.
It says they're at 2.1 days' worth of supply in the country, instead of the recommended 5 days or 3 500 units per day to meet the demand at health facilities.
SANBS spokesperson Thandi Mosupye says weather conditions and exam season have contributed to the shortage.
"What then happens when we are at such low levels - doctors are then required to prioritise only emergency situations in terms of giving of blood. For anything that is non-emerging that is described by the doctor, that would then be put on hold."
Mosupye says the service will be ramping up blood drives.
"In addition to that I think it is always going back to the public and requesting and appealing to people who have been donors before and maybe they have lapsed - to please come back and donate but importantly, being Youth Month.
"We are really calling on the youth, anybody that is 16 years old and above to please come through and donate."
