Economy
The National Blood Transfusion Service (NBTS) on Tuesday said it would spend N42.3 billion between 2021 and 2030 on improving blood services in the country.
Dr Adaeze Oreh, Head, Planning Research and Statistics, NBTS, disclosed this at a stakeholders’ meeting and launch of the NBTS 10-year strategic plan in Abuja.
Oreh said blood transfusion services were vital towards achieving Sustainable Development Goals and ensuring Universal Health Coverage in the country.
According to her, the targets of the 10-year plan include 100 per cent voluntary non-numerated blood donors, one million Nigerian regular unpaid blood donors and blood product generation.
Others include increased innovation and use of technology, reduced adverse blood transfusion reactions and events, strengthen coordination and regulation of blood service and enhanced provision of blood service.
“The estimated cost of the entire plan is N42.3 billion over the next 10 years.
“It should be included in the budgets of government, agencies and departments to ensure adequate implementation,’’ she said.
She said that implementation of the strategic plan would make NBTS a more effective, efficient coordinator and regulator of blood services and ensure access to safe blood in the country.
Also, the National Coordinator, NBTS Dr Omale Amedu, said the 10-year strategic plan would guide the implementation of blood safety activities in the country.
Amedu said the agency had proposed the One Million Safe Blood Units Initiative to propel into establishing a national strategic safe blood reserve for Nigeria.
“This will not only provide adequate safe blood for the country but also serve as a source of raw materials for producing blood components and plasma derived medicinal products,’’ he said.
The NBTS boss also said the agency would partner with states to establish blood service centres nationwide to ensure safe quality blood and blood products for a better health system.
Minister of State for Health, Dr Adeleke Mamora, stressed the need to prioritise access to safe blood to address the country’s need, reduce maternal and child mortality, trauma from road traffic crashes, conflict and insurgency.
Mamora, represented by Dr Nneka Orji from the ministry, said prioritising safe blood would also reduce the practice of transfusion of contaminated and infected blood and blood products.
Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire, commended the efforts of the NBTS in ensuring safe, quality and accessible blood and blood products in compliance with global standard.
Ehanire, represented by Dr Chris Isokpunwu from the ministry, said that the passage of the proposed National Blood Service Commission Bill would implement and regulate activities in line with the National Blood Policy and the Operational Guidelines for Blood Transfusion practice in the country. (NAN)
– Dec. 15, 2020 @ 18:15 GMT |
Tags: NBTS to spend N42.3bn on blood services in 10 years
