The number of blood collections did not return to pre-comide levels in the first half of 2022. While almost 81,000 withdrawals took place in the first six months of 2019, this year it was about 74,000. So about ten percent less. Representatives of the Ministry of Health, the National Transfusion Service of the Slovak Republic and the General Health Insurance Agency have today asked donors to find a moment to donate blood before going on vacation. In comparison with the first half of 2021, the number of withdrawals increased significantly this year. Overall, almost a fifth and the blood supply situation is stable. But the holiday season started. It is during the summer months that the number of donors will generally decrease. I would therefore ask the donors to donate blood before traveling. declared Vladimir Lengvarsky, Minister for Healthwho today participated in the blood collection at the premises of the General Health Insurance Agency. Donating blood before going on holiday is also twice as important this year because of the limitations that the pandemic continues to cause. The potential donor can visit the blood establishments only after a certain period of time since his return from abroad. After seven days, if he returns from European Union countries. Only after 28 days if it arrives from outside the European area. In order to increase the supply of this precious liquid, we have organized mobile blood collection for our employees. Not only multiple donors, but also several colleagues - the first-timers - have shown interest in it. And since the majority of registered blood donors are insured in the GPA, we have decided that we will appreciate their unselfish efforts to help. After a new donor, insured in the VZP, will receive a thank-you for each single collection in the form of vitamins to regenerate the organism, says Richard Strapko, CEO of General Health Insurance. The Minister of Health, who thanked the employees of the insurance company, also participated in the blood collection at the General Health Insurance Institution. He also reminded that the Slovak National Transfusion Service has its collection sites in each county town and in Poprad, Martin and Nové Zámky.