SUVA, Feb. 26 (Xinhua) -- Samoa's national hospital called on the public to donate blood, as supplies continue to run low.
The hospital confirmed that a shortage was being experienced, the Samoa Observer reported on Thursday.
The country's health officials explained that donated blood is needed for emergency cases, surgeries, and patients with serious medical conditions.
They called on healthy and eligible individuals to visit the hospital and donate, reminding the community that one donation can help save several lives.
The national hospital has faced a critical shortage of O-positive blood since last month, the report said.
The Ministry of Health made an urgent call to the public to donate blood.
The Samoa Observer said the blood bank had almost no O-positive blood in stock, a type commonly required for emergency treatment.
The shortage has placed added pressure on hospital services and poses a serious risk to patients who rely on timely blood transfusions to survive. ■