Latest update January 1st, 2025 1:00 AM
Latest News
Plans to expand blood transfusion system on the charts
– as voluntary blood donations increase
In recognition that there has been a reduction in the amount of voluntary blood donors at the National Blood Transfusion Service (NBTS), thus resulting in a severe shortage of the precious substance, plans are apace for a blood transfusion system to be set-up at the West Demerara Regional Hospital.
According to information reaching this newspaper, the streamlining of the system will be put in place with the support of the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO). Just last week, a meeting in this regard, which saw the attendance of a PAHO official, was held at the West Demerara Hospital.
Once implemented, it is anticipated that the transfusion system will help to meet the many requests for blood, which are usually brought to the NBTS.
A voluntary donor gives the gift of life
Currently, the NBTS supplies blood and blood products to all public and also private hospitals; however, the entity has had to cut back on its supply, because of the decrease in donors.
Blood has a shelf life of about 35 days, while some blood products can last for about three to four days.
For the past couple of weeks, the NBTS and the Ministry of Health have been appealing to members of the public and organisations to voluntarily donate blood to boost the current supply.
And, according to Blood Donor Recruiter Kyle Walrond, the NBTS has been approaching a number of private and public organisations to have employees there respond to the appeal.
He disclosed that, in addition to the Kaieteur News, the Guyana Revenue Authority Licence Office, and the Canadian Embassy, blood drives have been held at the Teachers’ College facility at Rose Hall, even as plans are apace to solicit assistance from other organisations.
He disclosed that, since the urgent appeal has been made, there has been a favourable response, adding that there has even been a noticeable change in the amount of persons visiting the NBTS to donate on a voluntary basis.
And, in order to heighten the response, NBTS recruiters have engaged a sensitisation programme through which employees of various organisations are edified on the blood donation process and of the importance of voluntary donation.
Such undertakings have already been held at entities including A. H. and L. Kissoon and the German Restaurant on New Market Street.
According to Pamela Binda, another Blood Donor Recruiter, the intent of the sensitisation sessions is to gear employees towards a desire to voluntarily donate blood. She pointed out that it is anticipated that the process is expected to become a regular feature.
Further, she disclosed, plans are apace to award organisations that participate in regular blood drives with certificates of recognition.
Similar Articles
THE BLUNT OF THE DAY
Sports
Features/Columnists
Guyana recorded over 10 000 dengue cases in 2024
Kaieteur News- Guyana recorded just over 10,000 dengue cases in 2024, Health Minister Dr. Frank Anthony revealed during an... more
Breaking the Chains of Poverty: A need for political will
By Sir Ronald Sanders Kaieteur News- The year 2024 has underscored a grim reality: poverty continues to be an unyielding... more
Weekend Cartoon
