At the Pediatrics Department, the hospital is currently treating 120 children with thalassemia, a congenital hemolytic disease. For these patients, the hospital’s blood reserves are vital, as inadequate and untimely transfusions could lead to heart failure and death.

Having a child who has required monthly blood transfusions for six years, Mrs. Lò Thị Ánh, from Chiềng Đông Commune (Tuần Giáo District), shared: “The blood supply is crucial for my child, as monthly transfusions are necessary, even during Tết. I hope there will always be enough blood to save my child’s life.”

Similarly, Mrs. Lò Thị Dận, from Tủa Chùa Town (Tủa Chùa District), stated: “My child has been battling thalassemia for 14 years, requiring monthly transfusions. Without it, my child would suffer from breathlessness and fatigue. Over the past time, whenever my child is hospitalized, blood was always available. I am deeply grateful to all blood donors.”

At the end of the year, blood donation drives are limited, leading to a significant blood shortage in reserves. Meanwhile, the Tết season sees an increase in emergency cases due to various reasons, exacerbating the blood shortage. According to statistics from the provincial General Hospital, over 200 blood units are needed during the holiday to meet emergency and treatment demands.

Dr. Đặng Thị Hồng Ngọc, Deputy Director of the Hematology and Blood Transfusion Center under the Provincial General Hospital, explained: “Similar to the nationwide situation, our hospital often experiences blood shortages during Tết due to a surge in traffic accidents, food poisoning, strokes, and firework-related injuries. Blood types B and O are particularly in demand. To ensure adequate blood supply for emergency and treatment during the Tết, the center has coordinated with the provincial Red Cross to organize pre-Tết blood donation programs. These campaigns target civil servants and employees from health departments, as well as patient families and the public, to increase the blood reserve. A fixed blood donation point operating 24/7 is also available for individuals wishing to donate blood conveniently.”

With 300 blood units currently in storage and additional units collected during a blood drive on January 10, 2025, involving hospital staff, doctors, and employees, the hospital has secured an adequate blood supply for urgent emergencies and treatment needs during the Tết.

In urgent situations where the blood reserve is insufficient or incompatible with a patient’s needs, and emergency donors cannot be promptly mobilized, medical staff are prepared to donate blood themselves. The hospital maintains a list of ready donors, primarily comprising young staff with various blood types, ensuring availability in emergencies. A backup list of eligible donors is also in place to mobilize additional support if large quantities are required, particularly focusing on rare blood types.

In the coming time, to maintain a stable blood supply for emergency care and treatment during the Tết, eligible individuals are encouraged to participate in blood donation campaigns. Units are urged to adhere to their planned donation schedules and actively promote the cause among their staff and the public. As the saying goes, “A drop of blood - A life saved.” This timely contribution reflects compassion and humanity during the Tết holiday, serving as a precious gift that offers life-saving hope to many patients and ensuring a joyous and fulfilling spring for all.