Pune: Blood banks across Pune are coming under increasing pressure as available blood reserves have declined in recent months while demand for blood and its components continues to remain high.

The situation has become more challenging with the rise in dengue cases, which has increased the requirement for platelet components. Patients with chronic conditions such as thalassemia, who depend on regular transfusions, are also contributing to the sustained demand.

According to health department figures, Pune has 35 blood banks catering to around 780 hospitals across different categories. The city requires an estimated 1,500 units of blood every day, while collections currently remain at around 700 to 800 units daily.

This shortfall is creating concerns over maintaining adequate supplies of whole blood as well as individual components such as platelets.

Dengue can cause platelet levels to fall significantly in some patients, making timely access to platelet components important in cases where transfusion is medically required. The additional demand comes at a time when blood banks must also meet the routine requirements of patients undergoing surgeries, trauma treatment and long-term transfusion therapy.

Health officials are urging eligible citizens to donate blood regularly to help strengthen stocks. Maintaining adequate reserves is particularly important during periods when illnesses such as dengue can suddenly increase demand for specific blood components.

With the gap between collection and requirement continuing, regular voluntary blood donation remains crucial to ensuring that hospitals have sufficient supplies when patients need them.