Private sector key to blood availability for Nigerians – Experts

Experts have said involvement of the private sector in the country’s blood donation drive is critical to making blood and its related products available for Nigerians.

Speaking during a blood donation drive organized by Manal Hassan Foundation in collaboration with his hospital and the National Blood Transfusion Service (NBTS) in Abuja Chief Medical Director of Dr Hassan’s Hospital, Abuja, Dr. Shabihul Hassan said blood donation was the best thing a person could do for his fellow human being.

He said the Manal Hassan Foundation has concluded plans to eliminate the N5,000 access charge demanded from patients whenever they needed blood, to enable patients get blood free of charge.

Dr. Hassan said: “The main role of this foundation is to bear all expenses involved other than the blood that has been donated. Essentially the blood that has been collected will get to the recipient free of charge.

“Our objective is that over the next few years, this foundation will be able to provide free blood to all who need it without them having to pay a kobo for it. The foundation will also arrange to donate the blood wherever it is possible.

“So, we will basically try to compliment the efforts of the government as much as possible. We believe that the private sector must play a major role in the policies of government.”

The Chief Medical Director said the foundation has six ambulances in the hospital, adding that the hospital would bear expenses of delivering blood wherever it was needed.

Director, Medical Laboratory Services of Dr. Hassan’s Hospital, Dr. Godswill Okara called on Nigerians to cultivate the habit of voluntary blood donation.