Phuket blood centre schedules July mobile donation drives amid Rh-negative shortage

The Phuket Regional Blood Centre has announced a July schedule of mobile blood donation clinics as it reiterated a persistent shortage of Rh-negative blood, citing higher demand linked to tourist-related accidents and medical emergencies.

The centre urged all eligible donors to give blood whenever possible. Phuket locations on the July mobile schedule include Robinson Lifestyle in Thalang on July 2, Robinson Lifestyle in Chalong on July 4, Lotus’s Shopping Centre in Thalang on July 6, 8, 9, 16 and 18, Diamond Cliff Resort & Spa in Patong on July 8, Central Phuket Floresta on July 14 and 24, King Power Phuket Complex on Chao Fa West Road on July 22, Rhom Bho Property Public Company in Rawai on July 22, and the Thai-Nepali Association in Patong on July 24.

The PRBC schedule also includes clinics in Krabi and Phang Nga during the month.

People can also donate directly at the Phuket Regional Blood Centre at 38/193 Rattanakosin 200 Pi Rd in Talad Neua, Phuket Town. The centre is open from 8:30am to 4:30pm on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, from 8:30am to 8pm on Tuesday and Thursday, and from 9am to 3pm on Saturday, Sunday and public holidays.

The Blood Bank at Vachira Phuket Hospital is also receiving donations throughout the month at its centre, though it has not yet released its July mobile clinic schedule. The Vachira Blood Bank, on the fourth floor of the outpatient building at Vachira Phuket Hospital on Yaowarat Road in Phuket Town, is listed as always open.

The PRBC said first-time blood donors in Thailand must be under 60, with 70 the upper age limit. Donors are advised to be in good health, get enough sleep, avoid alcohol for 24 hours before donating, eat a healthy low-fat meal at least three hours beforehand, avoid donating while taking antibiotics, and drink plenty of water.

At donation sites, people should bring an ID card, complete a registration form, and undergo a brief health check including blood pressure and haemoglobin assessment, as well as a short meeting with a doctor. The actual donation process takes less than seven minutes, followed by rest, a snack and more water.

For more information, the PRBC can be contacted at 076-251178 or 081-9588854, or through its Facebook page, Phuket Red Cross Blood Donation centre. Vachira Phuket Hospital Blood Bank can be reached at 076-361234 ext 1287.