DESPITE the increasing volume of blood collected by the Southern Philippines Medical Center -Blood Production Services, it still cannot meet the needs of patients requiring blood transfusion. Maria Lourdes B. Guerra, supervisor of the Blood Production Services at SPMC, said during the Healthy Davao Media Forum on Monday morning, June 24, 2024, at SM Ecoland, that they collected approximately 44,467 units of blood in 2023.
Cajegas stressed the importance of maintaining blood stocks in anticipation of emergencies or calamities such as typhoons and accidents that require large quantities of blood. He underscored that one reason for encouraging blood donation is the short shelf life of blood products, with whole blood and red blood cells having a shelf life of only 35 days, platelet concentrates lasting only for five days, and fresh frozen plasma, which is only usable for up to one year.