Blood Reserves at Critically Low Levels in Some Czech Hospitals

Due to the seasonal decline in donor numbers, the Ministry of Health is urgently appealing for blood donations – the situation is particularly serious at several Prague hospitals and in Ostrava.

Blood reserves at numerous hospitals in the Czech Republic have fallen significantly during the summer months. At some locations, they have already reached critically low levels. The Ministry of Health is therefore joining transfusion centres in appealing for blood donations.

The shortage currently affects numerous transfusion centres across the Czech Republic. The situation can change rapidly depending on the respective blood group and current demand. Several large Prague hospitals and Ostrava University Hospital are reporting critically low reserves.

The main reason is the regular decline in donor numbers during the summer holidays. Fewer people donate blood because of holiday travel. At the same time, demand in hospitals does not decrease. Blood is needed every day for operations, childbirth and the treatment of seriously ill patients. Injuries and road accidents also increase during the summer.

“We cannot manufacture blood or fully replace it. The Czech healthcare system therefore relies every day on the solidarity of voluntary donors,” Health Minister Adam Vojtěch said.

The issue is no longer merely a shortage of individual blood groups. Supplies at numerous locations have fallen significantly and must be replenished as quickly as possible.

“I therefore appeal to all healthy people who are able to donate blood: if you have the opportunity, please visit your transfusion centre in the coming days. A single blood donation can help save up to three lives. The help of donors is particularly important right now,” Vojtěch said.

Situation Varies by Region and Blood Group

The situation is not the same in every region. While some facilities have sufficient reserves, supplies elsewhere are approaching their lower limit. In some cases, certain blood groups are completely unavailable.

The shortage also affects more than just blood supplies. The Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine (IKEM) is currently warning of a significant shortage of platelet donors across all blood groups.

The Ministry of Health therefore recommends checking the website or social media channels of the nearest transfusion centre before visiting. Hospitals provide regular updates there about their current supplies and which blood groups are particularly urgently needed.

Blood Donations Save Lives – in Emergencies and During Long-Term Treatment

Blood is not only needed in acute emergencies. Many seriously ill patients also regularly depend on blood products during long-term treatment. Certain therapies can impair blood production and make repeated transfusions necessary.

In addition to patients who regularly require blood products, there are situations in which a transfusion becomes necessary within moments. These include, in particular, severe bleeding complications during childbirth.

The Ministry of Health is calling on both regular and new donors to check the current needs of their nearest transfusion centre and donate blood in the coming days. Blood is needed throughout the year – including during the summer holidays.

Blood can be donated in almost every district town. A prior examination by a GP is not required, as all necessary steps are carried out on site. Further information is available on the Czech Red Cross website (CZ).