Pune | September 9, 2026
Pune is facing a reported shortage of blood as dengue cases rise and chikungunya infections emerge, prompting Ganesh mandals across the city to organise donation camps during the week before Ganeshotsav.
According to a report by Loksatta – Pune, blood stocks at several private blood banks have fallen to about half their usual levels over the past two to three days. The shortage has emerged at a time when hospitals require blood for surgeries and thalassemia patients, while dengue-related platelet requirements are also being reported.
Ganesh mandals and blood-donation activists have planned small and large camps in different parts of Pune. With support from companies in the industrial sector, the organisers have set a target of collecting between 1,500 and 2,000 blood bags during the campaign.
The collected blood is expected to be supplied to Sassoon Hospital, YCM Hospital, Jankalyan Blood Bank and other facilities, the report said, citing mandal sources. The campaign is intended to support hospitals and blood banks during a period when demand has increased because of seasonal illnesses and ongoing medical requirements.
Blood stocks in Pune generally decline during the summer and before Diwali, when donation campaigns are also organised. This year, however, the reported shortage has surfaced ahead of Ganeshotsav. The simultaneous rise in dengue and chikungunya cases has added to concerns over platelet availability and the needs of patients undergoing treatment.
The planned camps will be conducted across the city over the coming week. Organisers are targeting the collection of up to 2,000 blood bags for distribution to the named hospitals, blood bank and other healthcare facilities.
