Thai Red Cross Extends Extra Hours for Blood Donation

BANGKOK, Jan 4 (TNA) - The Thai Red Cross Society’s National Blood Centre will extend operating hours to allow potential donors to give their blood after work. Acting director of the centre, Chaivej Nuchprayoon said the operating hours will be extended from Jan 6 to ensure that blood suppply will meet high demand throughout the year. The new operating hours will be 7.30 a.m. - 7.30 p.m. from Mondays to Fridays and from 8.30 a.m. – 3.30 p.m. on weekends and holidays. He said the centre is responsible for acquiring 700,000 units of blood per year in Bangkok and surrounding provinces. Its 12 regional centers and provincial hospitals nationwide target to acquire 1.35 million units of blood annually. About 77 per cent of donated blood is required for surgeries and it is on high demand in case of an outbreak such as the dengue fever, he said. (TNA)