South Africa faces blood shortage

Sapa

"South Africa is currently experiencing a severe blood shortage, particularly the 'O' blood type," the service said.

This blood can be used in an emergency for all other blood types and is urgently needed.

"Hospitals have been requested to cut back on non-urgent surgery until such time as the situation improves."

To illustrate the seriousness, the SANBS said that Durban's King Edward Hospital only had four units when it should have 35, the Johannesburg blood bank had 122 units when it should have 550, and Limpopo had 181 units instead of 510.

Blood donors must be between the ages of 16 and 65, weigh more than 50kg and lead a sexually safe lifestyle.

Clinic information can be obtained on 0800 11 90 31.

In the face of severe criticism, and on the order of the minister of health, the service has just revamped its system so that it no longer uses race to determine the safety of blood.

It is also recovering from an uproar over its policy to exclude blood from gay donors.