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Dimapur sees surge in first-time blood donors amid dengue outbreak
With the unprecedented rise in dengue cases in Dimapur, a significant increase in the number of first-time blood donors has being observed, particularly the youths
DIMAPUR — As the dengue outbreak has gripped Dimapur, with cases still being reported, citizens have risen to the challenge by donating blood for patients needing it.
Dr. Temsu, Senior Specialist and in-charge of District Hospital Dimapur (DHD) Blood Bank, expressed immense satisfaction over the response of the public, saying that more people, especially Naga youths, have embraced the significance of blood donation.
Following the rise in the number of dengue cases in Dimapur, the blood bank saw a surge in demand for platelets. Unlike previous years, individuals were compelled to seek donors within their immediate family, friends, and even resort to social media for assistance.
With the unprecedented rise in dengue cases, a significant increase in the number of first-time blood donors, particularly the youths, has also being observed, said Dr. Temsu.
“There is a decline in the number of people coming to the blood bank since October 14. Although dengue cases are being reported, the number is declining- at least at the level of blood bank,” he said, while adding that the rush for blood has subsided after the heightened activity in August and September.
At one point of time, people had to endure lengthy waits, from 8 am until the blood bank closes, for platelets, while healthcare professionals worked around the clock. A substantial number of new donors, over 2000, primarily youths, had come forward to donate blood; the number of blood donors surpassed 5,000 between August and September, it was informed.
‘We all know that majority of the blood donors are non-Nagas, but this year, with a sense of importance in blood donation being instilled particularly because of dengue, majority of the first-time donors are Naga youth,’ the doctor shared.
In response to the unforeseen surge in dengue cases, several organisations had organised blood donation camps at the DHD Blood Bank, he said, acknowledging the crucial role played by these initiatives, which he described as “helpful, useful, encouraging, and supportive” to the blood bank.
It was informed that the blood bank initially struggled to meet the high demand but the situation has improved.
Dr. Temsu also informed that following the assurance made by the minister of Health and Family Welfare, P. Paiwang Konyak, during his visit to the hospital on September 2, to personally contribute towards procuring medical equipment for the DHD, a blood separator machine was installed on October 12.
He went on to hail this addition as a significant step towards enhancing the capabilities of the hospital.
Read related stories: DVBD consultant updates on dengue cases in Dimapur