Dhanbad, March 13 -- Shaheed Nirmal Mahto Medical College and Hospital (SNNMCH), the lone government medical college hospital in Dhanbad that caters to the healthcare needs of several districts including Giridih, Jamtara, Godda, Sahebganj, Pakur, Chatra and Koderma, is currently facing an acute shortage of blood, causing serious concern among patients and hospital authorities.

The blood bank of the 600-bed hospital, which has a storage capacity of around 900 units, presently has only about 35 to 42 units of blood available. The shortage has affected treatment of several patients, particularly those suffering from thalassemia who require regular blood transfusions.

Superintendent of SNNMCH Blood Bank, Dr BK Pandey, said the situation had...