The absence of a blood bank at the district hospital have caused significant challenges to are forced to collect and arrange blood from their relatives or donors. This lack of a blood bank is particularly challenging for postnatal women, pregnant women, and those who are ill, causing significant challenges. When blood is needed, patients must rely on the Nepali Army, Nepal Police, Armed Police, local civilians, and health workers. There is a significant need for a blood bank in the district. Patients seeking treatment at the hospital may require blood, but without a blood bank, they and their relatives have to struggle searching for donors. A woman from Byans Rural Municipality-5, who arrived at the district hospital to give birth, faced a critical issue on August 26. She was found to be anemic upon admission, and health workers requested her relatives to find a blood donor. Bhupendra Bista, a resident, posted on social media requesting B+ blood for the District Hospital, Darchula. In response, Narendra Prasad Joshi, Chairperson of ANNFSU Darchula, promptly went to the hospital and donated blood to the pregnant woman. Due to this, the woman could have a safe delivery. This is just an example. In this way, patients reach the hospital every day looking for a blood bank.
Social activist Amit Airi said he helps with blood management for many people who come into contact with him. He emphasized that more blood is needed, especially for pregnant women requiring surgery. Amit mentioned, ‘When such situations arise, people who know me call for blood. I have often posted on social media about the need for blood, which has helped in the treatment of many.’ People with connections and a strong network can easily obtain blood from security personnel. However, those from rural areas often have to search extensively for blood.
Similarly, Dammardatta Bhatta, Information Officer at District Hospital, Darchula, stated that the only option for obtaining blood is to rely on donors. It is essential to contact individuals with the required blood type during times of need. Bhatta also noted that the hospital lacks the equipment to store blood, so patients must depend on their relatives to find donors. According to healthcare workers, the Nepal Army, Nepal Police, and Armed Police frequently come to the hospital to assist with blood.
Recently, at the initiative of the All Nepal National Independent Students Union at Darchula Multiple Campus, Chairperson Krishnasingh Dhami noted that providing blood becomes easier when students’ blood groups are identified. “In the first phase, we have identified the blood group of nearly 300 students. Soon, in the second phase, we will prepare to identify the blood groups of the newly admitted students.” At Darchula Multiple Campus, Krishna Singh Dhami of the Independent Students’ Union mentioned that identifying students’ blood groups has made it easier to provide blood. He stated that they have identified the blood groups of nearly 300 students in the first phase and they are preparing to identify the blood groups of the newly admitted students in the second phase. Relatives of patients have alleged that the lack of initiative to establish a blood bank at the District Hospital, Darchula, has caused problems. Gopalsingh Mahar, Chairperson of Nepal Red Cross Society, Darchula, stated that although the District Branch tried to operate a blood bank eight years ago, it had to be closed due to a lack of support.
Likewise, Jai Bahadur Farsan, Coordinator of the Health Branch at Mahakali Municipality, stated that while patients and their families have suffered due to the lack of a blood bank in the district, no decision has been made regarding the establishment of a blood bank this year because of budget constraints.