Any of us could be affected: The Medical Association issues an urgent call for blood donation
Blood supplies in Austria are experiencing a serious decline, forcing hospitals in areas like St. Pölten and Mistelbach to cancel or postpone surgeries. According to Andreas Zeitelberger, Vice President of the Medical Association of Lower Austria, emergency reserves must remain available for serious incidents, but many planned surgeries can no longer be performed. He added warningly: "The situation is dramatic; medical triage has already become necessary."
The Austrian Red Cross has sounded the alarm, describing the shortage as life-threatening. Federal rescue leader Gerry Foitik explained that the stock is usually replenished after summer, but this year's wave of COVID infections has prevented many in Eastern Austria from donating. The country needs about 1,000 blood units daily, yet supplies are running out quickly. Since blood cannot be manufactured and expires after just 42 days, cancer patients, those with serious illnesses, and accident victims are particularly at risk. Despite this urgent need, only 3.35% of eligible Austrians donate regularly.
The new legislation has deepened the crisis further. Since June 2025, men have been allowed to donate only four times a year instead of six, and women three times instead of four. Zeitelberger warned that this has sharply reduced the available donations, putting hospitals under immense pressure. If the crisis continues, the coming weeks may see serious consequences nationwide.
The Lower Austria Medical Association calls not only on the general public but also on doctors themselves to participate in raising awareness. The association's president, Harald Schlögel, stated that "anyone could be at risk, and only through cooperation can we save lives." Clinics have also been asked to display posters highlighting the urgency of the need for blood donations.
The Red Cross repeated its call, reminding citizens that anyone in good health, aged between 18 and 70 years (and first-time donors up to 60 years), holding a valid ID, is eligible to donate. It emphasized the need to act quickly, as every donation can make a difference in the stability of the country's healthcare system.