Medical experts at the Randle General Hospital, Surulere, Lagos, have urged citizens to increase blood donation as this would reduce the mortality rate in society.
The Medical Director of the hospital, Dr Olumide Sojinrin, stated this, according to a statement signed by the Assistant Director of the Public Affairs Unit of the hospital, Mrs Okunade Olayinka, during the 2024 World Blood Donor Day commemorated on Friday.
Across the globe, June 14 is set aside to commemorate World Blood Donor Day in a bid to create awareness and enlighten people on the importance of blood donation.
In his remarks, Sojinrin said, “The importance of blood donation cannot be overemphasised to save lives and reduce the mortality rate in our society. During this year’s World Blood Donor exercise, both clinical and non-clinical staff of the hospital worked together diligently to ensure that the exercise was professionally carried out and was a huge success.”
Also speaking, the Consultant Haematologist, Department of Haematology, in the hospital, Dr Adabale Abosede, said, “When a Packed Cell Volume is below 40 per cent, the patient cannot go further for bleeding, but if it is 40 per cent above, then such patient is good to go for bleeding.
“At least a pint of blood (app. 500ml) is taken from a voluntary donor who, after going through the screening process to determine his eligibility, is found fit to donate.”
Meanwhile, following the call of the Lagos State Government for voluntary blood donors to support blood banks in the state, the VFD Group has partnered with the Lagos State Blood Transfusion Committee and Haima Health Initiative to advocate for blood donation.
The group disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday to commemorate World Blood Donor Day.
It read, “The blood donation rate in Lagos State has seen a disheartening drop of over 55 per cent in January 2024, attributed to factors such as seasonal respiratory illnesses intensified by harsh harmattan weather, and high rates of postpartum haemorrhage and traffic accident-related bleeding.
“These realities underline the critical need for regular voluntary blood donors. Additionally, individuals with Haemochromatosis, a hereditary condition causing excess blood due to iron overload, are encouraged to donate blood at intervals. Countries must invest in a structured system for banking donated blood, ensuring its safety and preservation.
“At VFD Group, as part of our commitment to our Sustainable Development Goals, we champion initiatives that promote good health and overall wellness. We celebrate our employees, blood donors worldwide, and communities who tirelessly contribute to keeping the world pulsating through their donations.”