Mumbai’s blood banks annually grapple with a critical shortage of blood around Diwali due to significantly less or no blood donation drives in offices and colleges, which are shut due to the festival. Reports through the last decade suggest blood banks across the city, including major hospitals such as KEM, JJ, BYL Nair, and RN Cooper, face severe shortages. An official from the State Blood Transfusion Council (SBTC) told mid-day that approximately 750 units of blood are needed per day in the city.

RN Cooper Hospital’s blood bank in charge told mid-day, “Children with thalassemia require red blood cell transfusions every three to four weeks. They are the ones who suffer the most during this period.” Of the four main blood components, ie, red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells (WBCs), platelets, and plasma, two are the most in demand throughout the year. The highest demand is for RBCs, which carry oxygen throughout the body and are essential for patients undergoing major surgeries. RBCs can be stored for up to 42 days, but due to their frequent demand, they remain the most sought-after.