Shortage of blood in the city has forced premier cancer care hub, Tata Memorial Hospital, to put out an urgent appeal on Saturday for donations.

“If we don’t get donations, patient care is likely to get affected in our hospital in the coming week,” said Tata Hospital director Dr C Pramesh on Saturday. The hospital requires 70 to 80 bags of blood and 20 platelets every day. “After Saturday’s appeal, we got some donors and we should be able to manage till Tuesday, but we need more,” he said.

Many blood donation camps have been cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Vinay Shetty of Think Foundation that works for thalassemia children who need regular transfusions said the blood shortage is acute. Most major hospitals in the city have stocks only for the next few days. The donor pool has also shrunk as people who get vaccinated against Covid cannot donate blood for two months. Those willing to donate can call Tata Memorial’s 24×7 blood bank (24177000, extn 4690).

Housing colonies and associations can contact State Blood Transfusion Council (022-22830216, sbtc @mahasbtc.com) or Think Foundation (vinay@thinkfoundation.org or 9820146448).