Tehran’s Lifeline: A Call for Urgent Blood Donations to Sustain Capital’s Healthcare
Capital’s Blood Supply Under Strain as Donations Dip
TEHRAN – The Iranian Blood Transfusion Organization has issued an urgent appeal for donors in Tehran, as a recent decline in blood donations begins to impact the vital reserves needed to supply the capital’s extensive healthcare network. Dr. Mohammad Reza Mahdizadeh, the head of the Tehran Provincial Blood Transfusion Center, emphasized that while the current situation is manageable, a continued downturn in donor turnout could quickly become critical.
A Constant, Unyielding Demand
Dr. Mahdizadeh outlined the scale of the operation, stating, “The Tehran Blood Transfusion Center is obligated to meet the daily need for blood and blood products for 170 hospitals across the province.” He revealed a significant gap between supply and demand: “Statistics indicate that approximately 1,500 units are consumed daily in Tehran’s medical centers. Currently, we are receiving about 1,250 units, yet we continue to distribute the required 1,500 units to healthcare facilities.”
This disparity is gradually depleting reserves. “The reduction in the number of people coming forward to donate blood has affected our reserves, causing them to decrease somewhat,” Dr. Mahdizadeh explained. He stressed the irreplaceable nature of this resource, noting, “The blood that God has granted to humans has no substitute, and the need for blood is not confined to a specific time.”
An Appeal to Civic Duty and Solidarity
Highlighting the perpetual nature of this essential need, the official pointed out that surgical procedures, emergency accidents, and patients with chronic conditions like hemophilia and thalassemia create a constant, unwavering demand for blood. Furthermore, the limited shelf-life of blood products, such as platelets which last only three days, underscores the necessity for continuous and sustained donations.
In a direct appeal to the public, Dr. Mahdizadeh stated, “I ask the people, as always, to stand alongside the Blood Transfusion Organization and save the lives of patients in need by donating blood.” He specifically called on all Tehrani citizens, “especially the youth and women,” to take immediate action.
Addressing a common concern, he also clarified that air pollution does not conflict with the ability to donate blood, encouraging citizens to proceed with their vital contributions. The public can obtain information on active donation centers through the Tehran Provincial Blood Transfusion Center’s official information portal.