Luxembourg is exsanguinated

The Luxembourg Red Cross has issued an urgent appeal to donors: current blood stocks will only last for one week. This jeopardises the work of hospitals across the country, especially in the run-up to the winter holidays, when the need for blood is steadily increasing.

According to Dr Andrée Heinricy of the Blood Transfusion Centre, the number of donors has dropped significantly in recent weeks. The reasons are primarily the autumn school holidays and a wave of colds. "After a cold, you have to wait at least two weeks before donating blood again. And with influenza or COVID-19 - at least a month," - specifies the doctor.

The political aspect of the topic is also gaining momentum. On Wednesday, LSAP MP and former health minister Mars di Bartolomeo introduced a bill to introduce four hours of paid leave for donors in the private sector. However, Labour Minister Georges Mischo believes such initiatives are better introduced through collective labour agreements rather than legislation and said he hoped for voluntary support from employers.

The Red Cross reminds: any healthy person over 18 years old and weighing 50kg or more can become a donor. Detailed information about blood donation points and conditions is available on the official website of the organisation.