The National Blood Transfusion Service (NBTS) has sent a request to all well wishers and volunteers to come forward and donate surgical equipment as the service is facing a severe shortage of consumables and reagents.

Publishing an appeal through the Health Ministry yesterday, the NBTS Director requested all well wishers and volunteers to be generous to take this mission ahead.

Accordingly, the director requested donations of surgical spirit, cotton wool, wadding, and gauze from the volunteers as soon as they can.

We greatly appreciate the contribution, and it will be utilised to save thousands of lives by supplying the above surgical items, the NBTS Director said. (Chaturanga Samarawickrama)