The National Blood Center of the Thai Red Cross requires 2500 units of blood per day as reserve to ensure there is enough blood to meet requirements during the ongoing flooding. The Center is entrusted by the Thai Government to provide sufficient quantity of safe blood from voluntary donations for national use.

Ms Soisarng Pikulsod MD, Director of the Thai Red Cross Blood Center, reveals that, since 1 October, with the ongoing flooding affecting thirty provinces and the situation still critical, blood collection has been difficult. The Center's regional blood centers in Lopburi and Pisanuloke provinces are sent 400 units of blood each daily to supply hospitals in the central and lower central regions. Even though serious cases patients have been transferred out of these areas, a supply of blood is  still required for surgery, patients with blood disorders, cancer, accidents and giving birth for example.

As the mass of water creating the flooding has now reached northern Bangkok, it is unpredictable whether and how much of greater Bangkok will be under water and for how long and how many people will be affected. For this reason, the Center has set itself the goal to collect 2500 units per day so as to have enough in reserve for any eventualities.

The public is therefore called on to come and give blood at the National Blood Center on Henri Dunant Road or at the other regular blood collection centers. During 27-31 October period which the government has declared a public service holiday, the Center will be opened from 0830 to 1530 hrs. For further information contact tel. 0 2256 4300, 0-2263 9600-99 ext 1101 or www.redcross.or.th