Çiğdem Beşevlerli, President of the Thalassaemia Association and Head of the Thalassaemia Blood Unit, called on the people to donate blood, saying that the patients had difficulty finding blood. Beşevlerli stated that there was a problem in finding blood and said, “There is no awareness.”
Çiğdem Beşevlerli, President of the Thalassaemia Association and Head of the Thalassaemia Blood Unit, called on the entire public and said, “Please listen to our voice, as we said in our slogan, you may need the blood you donated one day.”
Stating that there are 250 Thalassemia patients in the country and that 150 patients receiving active treatment need approximately 550 units of blood per month, Beşevlerli stated that their blood stocks are less than half and that the patients who cannot find blood cannot continue their routine lives.
Beşevlerli explained the problems experienced by Thalassaemia patients to the Turkish Agency Cyprus (TAK).
“DIFFERENCE MUST BE CREATED”
Beşevlerli noted that the Thalassaemia Blood Donor Unit, which was established by the Ministry of Health for Thalassaemia patients, is working to encourage new donors.
Beşevlerli stated that blood donation did not attract attention in the country and was forgotten. She said that she called those who donated blood and those who will just start, and gave information and encouragement.
Beşevlerli stated that Kızılay collects blood donations from civilian and military units 7 days a week, and that Blood Bank also receives blood donations between 08.30 and 20.30, and that opportunities are provided for individuals to donate blood.
Despite this, Beşevlerli said that the people did not show interest in blood donation, that there was not enough awareness and that the need for blood could not be met, and that awareness should be created and information should be given on this issue.
“MANAGERS SHOULD BE EXAMPLE”
Pointing out the importance of setting an example for the society by giving blood to the administrators and people who are in front of the society. Beşevlerli said, “We want the administrators to show the necessary importance to this issue.
By raising awareness, giving information and donating blood, we should show and encourage that blood donation is not something scary.”
“BLOOD STOCK IS LESS THAN HALF”
Stating that they experience blood shortages 4-5 times a year, and that the blood stocks in the center are less than half at the moment. Beşevlerli noted that half of this amount is reserved for emergency cases.
Beşevlerli said that the trouble increased in the summer months, the negative effects of the Covid-19 pandemic were also felt, and the patients had difficulty in finding blood.
Beşevlerli said that the inability of an individual with thalassaemia to find the blood they need affects their routine life negatively, and noted that their oxygen levels decrease and they experience joint and headaches.
Beşevlerli stated that lack of warmth and blood makes it difficult for patients to continue their daily routines.
“GIVING BLOOD HAS BENEFITS, NOT HEALTH DAMAGES”
Stating that donating blood is beneficial, not harmful to health. Beşevlerli stated that it lowers blood pressure and cholesterol.
Beşevlerli stated that those who applied to donate blood were tested free of charge, so they were also checked for infectious diseases.
WHO CAN GIVE BLOOD?
Beşevlerli stated that anyone between the ages of 18-60 without chronic illness can donate blood.
Stating that men can donate blood once every three months and women every 4 months. Beşevlerli noted that those who donate blood should be over 50 kilograms.
Beşevlerli also pointed out what should be done before donating blood and said that the day before, one should not drink alcohol, sleep 8 hours, not eat an hour before and the person who will give blood should not be overly tired.
Stating that the blood donation process takes about 25-30 minutes. Beşevlerli stated that after the procedure is completed, after a 15-minute rest period, the person can continue his daily life from where he left off.
Beşevlerli made a call to all the people and said, “Please listen to our voice, as we said in our slogan, you may need the blood you donated one day.”
“BLOOD AND MEDICINE ARE VITAL IMPORTANT”
Stating that there was a shortage of drugs in the early days of the pandemic. Beşevlerli demanded that necessary actions be taken to prevent the shortage of vital drugs.
Beşevlerli emphasized that it is important to identify and bid on vital drugs and to avoid any problems.
“CENTRAL BUILDING IS SPILLING”
Mentioning the deficiencies in the center, Beşevlerli stated that there are three blood donation seats in the Blood Bank, that the arms of the seats are broken, and that blood donors are experiencing difficulties.
Beşevlerli said that the problem with the seats should be resolved and called the authorities.
Expressing that they also need personnel reinforcement, Beşevlerli said that patients define the Thalassaemia Center as their first home, not their second, but that the center is “about to be demolished, the building is falling apart”.
Beşevlerli stated that the walls and ceiling were pouring, leaking water, and mold.
Stating that the center needs a second doctor, Beşevlerli said, “There is a doctor, what will happen when he retires?” she asked.
Mentioning the employment problem, Beşevlerli stated that the disabled people have not been employed in the state for 16 years and that the disabled have financial problems.
