The Federal Government on Friday said it has commenced registration of blood service firms.
According to The PUNCH, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, made this known on Friday at the 2023 National Blood Donor Day Ministerial Press Briefing in Abuja.
Speaking on the theme of this year’s campaign, ‘Blood donation the real act of humanity; Donate blood, give smiles’, Pate, who was represented by the ministry’s Director and Head, Teaching Hospital Division, Dr. Anuma Ogbonna, urged “all stakeholders to ensure that they fully comply with this government’s decision.”
He also said the continuous use of rapid test kits to screen blood meant for blood transfusion in Nigeria was unacceptable.
He noted that to ensure unhindered national access to safe blood and blood products, the ministry has been at the forefront of improving blood safety and availability in Nigeria.
Pate said, “We understand that a coordinated blood ecosystem, in line with the National Health Plan, will be needed to standardise quality and boost synergy for blood value chain optimisation.
“This effort is in line with the promise of President Bola Tinubu, which seeks to use improved quality health outcomes to deliver on the Renewed Hope Agenda for all Nigerians.
“Indeed, an effectively governed blood ecosystem which ensures proper coordination of all activities related to blood collection, testing, processing, storage, and distribution at all levels is necessary to promote uniform implementation of standards and consistency in the quality and safety of blood and blood products.”
