The Federal Government has announced plans to set up blood collection centres in all 774 local government areas, including the Federal Capital Territory, to ensure the availability of blood for emergencies and transfusions.
This initiative is aimed at addressing blood shortages across Nigeria.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria, this was disclosed by Abdullahi Haruna, Head of Media and Publicity at the National Blood Service Agency, in a statement released on Saturday in Abuja.
Haruna quoted the Director-General of the NBSA, Prof. Saleh Yuguda, who highlighted the government’s dedication to improving access to blood for medical emergencies.
“We are working relentlessly to ensure that the blood needs of Nigerians are met. This initiative is a crucial step in that direction,” Prof. Yuguda said.
As part of the project, the NBSA has partnered with the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps to establish a blood bank within the Corps’ medical facility.
According to Yuguda, this collaboration is intended to reduce blood shortages during critical medical situations and extend support to other security agencies.
Yuguda further explained that the FCT will be the first to benefit from this initiative with the establishment of strategic blood collection centres in accessible locations.
“The establishment of these centres is expected to increase blood donation rates, ensuring a consistent supply for medical use,” he added.
This move, according to the statement, is a clear demonstration of the government’s commitment to enhancing the healthcare system.
As the rollout progresses, Prof. Yuguda expressed confidence that Nigerians will experience better access to blood transfusions, resulting in improved healthcare outcomes.
Echoing the importance of the project, NSCDC Deputy Commandant Emeka Okeke said, “This initiative will play a key role in addressing blood shortages and ultimately saving lives.”
