According to the Portuguese Institute of Blood and Transplantation, the situation is "particularly worrying" in groups A+, A-, O+ and O-.

"Therefore, we urge everyone to donate blood before or during the holidays, so that we can maintain blood reserves at adequate levels and meet the needs of patients who require blood transfusions to live," the institute said in a statement.

The IPST says that, as is usually the case during the summer months, starting in July, there is "a significant reduction in the number of donors," mainly due to the holiday period and high temperatures.

However, it warns, "the needs of hospitals remain unchanged, as there continue to be patients who require daily blood transfusions, victims of road accidents, cancer patients, scheduled surgical interventions, and emergency situations."

The institute reminds that "donating blood is a simple gesture, with no contraindications for healthy adults," explaining that "you just need to be over 18, under 70, weigh 50 kg or more, and be healthy."

At the time of donation, it is important to be well hydrated and fed; it reinforces this, informing that the donor can schedule their donation at www.ipst.pt.

It also advises donors to complete the self-assessment questionnaire, available at www.ipst.pt, before going to a collection site.

Until 15 September, on Mondays and Fridays, it will publish on its social networks the groups most in need, calling on the population to be attentive and help the institute "give more life to life."