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Sep 30, 2026
Prague Hospitals Warn of Critical Blood Shortages
Prague Morning
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Several hospitals in Prague are reporting critically low blood supplies, prompting the Czech Ministry of Health to urge people to donate blood in the coming days.
The shortage is affecting more than individual blood groups. Hospitals and transfusion centers in several parts of the Czech Republic are reporting a broader decline in available supplies, with some facilities nearing the minimum levels needed to maintain safe operations.
The situation differs from one region to another. Some transfusion centers still have adequate reserves, while others are short of particular blood groups or are approaching critical levels.
The shortage also extends to individual blood components. In Prague, the Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine (IKEM) is currently seeking more platelet donors regardless of blood type.
People planning to donate are advised to check the latest information on the website or social media channels of their chosen transfusion center before visiting.
Why hospitals need more donors
Hospitals depend on regular blood donations not only during emergencies but also for planned medical treatment.
Blood is routinely needed for surgery, childbirth and the treatment of patients who require repeated transfusions. This includes some cancer patients whose treatment can interfere with the body’s production of blood cells.
Blood donations are also essential in cases of severe complications during childbirth. Heavy blood loss can become life-threatening within a short period, and an adequate supply of donated blood can be critical to saving the lives of mothers and newborns.
The demand for blood can increase during the summer and holiday period, when hospitals continue to perform scheduled procedures while also dealing with more injuries and traffic accidents. At the same time, the number of people coming to donate tends to fall as residents leave the country or travel elsewhere.
Number of donors continues to decline
Official figures indicate that the Czech donor base has been shrinking. Around 348,000 people donated blood last year, down from 362,000 the previous year.
Transfusion centers are also losing older regular donors as they reach the age limit, while the number of younger people replacing them has not been sufficient.
In the Czech Republic, adults can generally donate blood until the age of 65, provided they weigh more than 50 kilograms. Additional eligibility restrictions may apply, including for people who have recently travelled to countries where certain infectious diseases are present.
Donating blood in the Czech Republic is voluntary and free of charge. Donors are entitled to time off work on the day of their donation, while some health insurance companies provide additional benefits or rewards for regular donors.
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