With no blood bank and blood transfusion centre in Bajura, health workers at the district hospital in Martadi, the district headquarters, face a tough time when they have patients in need of blood.

The district hospital faced blood shortage perennially, as we neither have a blood bank nor a transfusion centre in the district, said Dr Rupchandra Bishwokarma, chief of the District Health Office.

“During emergency, we are left with no option than to search for matching blood type to save patients here,” said Dr Bishwokarma, adding that this, however, is not a reliable option at all.

A few days ago, Dr Tikaram Rai of the hospital donated blood to save the life of 20-year-old Gita Rokaya of Gaumul Rural Municipality.

“But this is not a lasting solution,” said Dr Bishwokarma.

Ramesh Kunwar, a public health official, said 22 health workers donated blood to save patients during emergency in the last fiscal year as there was no other option.

“Majority of women from impoverished communities in the rural areas and pregnant and new mothers are often diagnosed with low haemoglobin level. These women are in urgent need of blood, but we don’t have a blood bank here,” said Dr Bishwokarma.

Nepal Red Cross is the authorised agency to operate a blood transfusion centre. After mounting pressure, a temporary blood transfusion centre was established. Last year a building for the transfusion centre was built after Rs 1.5 million was allocated. But Red Cross officials say the centre lacks equipment.