Due to the lack of blood supply from donors, the performance of elective surgeries is limited, said National Blood Donor Centre (VADC) Director Egita Pole told LTV programme “Rīta panorāma”.
“There is a certain crisis at the moment. Part of the health care can no longer take place because it is not possible to properly perform elective surgeries, which is of great concern both in the VADC and in hospitals and among patients,” explained Pole.
She said donors are responsive, but there has been a dramatic increase in hospital demand for blood components. Last year, 350 fewer donors were needed during this time.
“This indicates hospitals have very heavy patients in dire need of medical assistance or that their numbers are on a rise,” explains Pole.
She said VADC located in Riga, Sēlpils Street 9, will be open on Saturday, the 25th of January. Residents will be able to donate blood between 10:00 and 16:00.
Other blood centres can be found using www.vadc.lv.
LETA previously reported that VADC invited residents on Thursday to help restore the critically blood stores.