Stakeholders in the medical sector in Oyo state have called for concerted efforts at ensuring that necessary amendments were done on the Blood Transfusion Safety Bill, 2022, before passing it to law.
The stakeholders made the call in Ibadan at a public hearing on the bill, which suggested the establishment of the Blood Transfusion Safety Committee and the creation of at least 7 Blood Recruitment and Screening Centres in each Geo Political Zones at Ibadan, Ibadan II, Oke-Ogun 1, Oke-Ogun 11, Ogbomoso, Oyo and Ibarapa.
Commissioner for health, Dr Bode Oladipo represented by the permanent secretary in the ministry, Dr Olusoji Adeyanju expressed confidence that voluntary blood donation in the state would be encouraged, with a view to addressing supply deficit.
Also speaking, Southwest Zonal Director, National Blood Service Commission, Dr Oladapo Aworanti stressed the need to include creation of designated centres that would be saddled with the responsibility of proper libeling of blood samples in the bill.
Contributing, Permanent Secretary, Hospital Management Board, Dr Muftau Ayoola suggested that the secretary of the proposed Blood Transfusion Safety Committee should be ceded to the board, for proper management.
Others who submitted their memoranda were of the view that funds for the smooth running of the centres must be made available by relevant authorities at all times.
Earlier, Chairman, Oyo state house of assembly committee on health, Mr Ridwan Saminu said the Blood Transfusion Safety Bill 2022, is seeking to Regulate the Assessment of Blood Donors, Blood Storage, Blood Products, Blood Administration and Ethics of dealing in Blood for Medical use.
“Other Matters Connected Therewith which seeks to establish a Committee which will ensure Blood Transfusion Safety through supervision; registering, issuing directives monitoring, gathering, collating,analyzing and keeping information, records and data and publishing information relating to Blood Transfusion Services and programmes in the State among others functions.” He said.
“The Blood Bank Recruitment and screening Centres when established shall screen, certify, stock blood and blood Products obtained through non- remunerated donor while operating on Standard Operating Procedure (SOPs).”
Participants were drawn from the ministry of health, Nigeria Medical Association, Hospital management board, national blood service commission, Red cross among other stakeholders
