4 Mar 2009

Fiji health authorities say they have a critical shortage of some blood types

4:50 pm on 4 March 2009

Health officials in Fiji say there is a critical shortage of blood types A and O and they are calling for people to visit the Colonial War Memorial Hospital and make donations.

The Ministry of Health's media liaison, Iliesa Tora, says there's an

urgent need for the two blood groups as supplies at the hospital's blood bank are getting to a critical stage.

And the Ministry is asking relatives and friends of hospital patients to make sure that they know their blood groups in case they are asked to give blood.

Mr Tora says blood drives around the country will continue to be held but the reality is demand is not being fully met.

Blood drives were held in Suva earlier this week, with one organized at the Police Barracks in Nasova.

More blood drives are being organized with the Ministry of Health also

requesting businesshouses and other bodies to organize blood drives on their premises.