Federal Government to Establish Blood Collection Centres in All Local Government Areas
The Federal Government of Nigeria has unveiled plans to establish Blood Collection Centres in all 774 local government areas, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), to ensure a steady supply of blood during medical emergencies and transfusions.
Abdullahi Haruna, Head of Media and Publicity for the National Blood Service Agency (NBSA), made this announcement in a statement on Saturday in Abuja. The statement quoted Prof. Saleh Yuguda, the Director-General of NBSA, reaffirming the government’s commitment to tackling blood shortages across the country.
“We are working tirelessly to ensure that blood needs are adequately addressed, and this initiative is a significant step towards achieving that goal,” Prof. Yuguda said.
He further explained that the NBSA has partnered with the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to establish a robust blood bank at the NSCDC’s medical facility. “This collaboration aims to mitigate blood shortages during medical emergencies and provide critical support to sister security agencies,” he added.
To kickstart the initiative, the FCT will host strategic blood collection facilities in easily accessible locations to boost blood donation rates and ensure a steady supply for medical purposes.
“This move is expected to increase blood donation rates and ensure a steady supply of blood for medical purposes. The establishment of blood collection centres across Nigeria is a testament to the government’s commitment to improving the country’s healthcare system. As the project rolls out, Nigerians should expect improved access to blood transfusions and better health outcomes,” Prof. Yuguda stated.
The Deputy Commandant of the NSCDC, Emeka Okeke, also endorsed the initiative, highlighting its critical role in saving lives. “This initiative will play a vital role in addressing blood shortages and saving lives,” he said.
The establishment of these blood collection centres aims to provide a reliable supply of blood for transfusions, particularly during emergencies, and marks a significant effort by the government to enhance the nation’s healthcare infrastructure.
