KARACHI: Standing in a queue outside Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre’s blood bank’s reception is volunteer Shafiq, a mid-aged Karachiite from Azeem Pura suburb, who came to donate blood voluntarily. He donated blood as his wife is expected to deliver a baby in two months’ time. It would be easier for him to collect blood in the time of need. “I and my brother donated two pints of bottles. When the delivery time for my wife comes, it would be easy for me to collect blood from here,” said Shafiq. According to officials of the blood bank at JPMC, they annually get blood from 45,000 donors. “We are on top in Pakistan in collecting blood in public services hospitals, whereas in terms of donors we stand at number three after Al-Hussaini blood bank and Patients’ Welfare Association,” said Dr. Muhammad Anwar, in-Charge Blood Bank JPMC. He added that at a time when they have around 1200 blood bags they do not appeal for more blood donations. The life saving fluid is available for free, exchange, and on payment at the blood bank. The outpatients would get a pint of blood in Rs 750 whereas inpatients could get it in Rs 230. Javed Naseer and Aakash Younis, two cousins, were also among the donors. “Our uncle has undergone a surgical operation and he needs blood, therefore we are donating it,” said Javed, adding that before their blood is screened they would get blood in exchange from the bank. World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that all blood donations should be screened for infections prior to use. The screening is mandatory for HIV, hepatitis-B, hepatitis-C, and syphilis. According to the officials, blood is mainly required for Gyne, Road Traffic Accidents, gun shots, accidental cases and others but it is thalassemia that tops the requirement. “We have around 5 to 6 cases daily related to Thalaseamia out of average 140 cases,” said Dr Anwar. According to WHO, Pakistan has a high burden of thalassaemia. According to estimates, 5000 children are born with thalassaemia each year and there are 70,000 registered patients. Pakistan’s annual blood requirement is approximately 1.5 million bags, with 40% of the demand being met by the public sector. About 80% of private sector blood transfusion takes place in the major cities including Karachi and Lahore.