UBTS boss blames hospitals for failing to collect blood

Dr Dorothy Kyeyune the executive director Uganda Blood Transfusion Services ( L) interacts with Mr Richard Byarugaba NSSF managing director (R) during the launch of the five day NSSF blood donation drive in Kampala on Monday. Courtesy Photo

What you need to know:

  • This year, NSSF is targeting at least 10,000 units of blood out of the five day blood donation drive.

Dr Dorothy Kyeyune, the executive director Uganda Blood Transfusion Services (UBTS) has accused hospitals of failing to collect blood from regional blood banks which exposes the patients to danger.

“You may have blood in the regional blood bank when the hospitals have not collected the blood so this is another challenge. Many times we have blood at the regional blood banks but hospitals fail to collect the blood because this blood always used in an emergency they could have used it up and may not have gone in time to replace what they need,” Dr Kyeyune said during the launch of the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) annual blood donation drive at workers house on Monday.
Last week, a 22-year-old mother lost her life at Apac Hospital in northern Uganda due to lack of blood for transfusion.

Mr Richard Byarugaba, the NSSF managing director has called for promotion of blood donation among adults as most of the time blood donors are students.
“Given that blood is unique and cannot be manufactured, it therefore means that regular donations by unpaid blood donors remains the only source of sufficient, quality and safe blood… You donate for only five minutes but you are able to save three lives,” Mr Byarugaba said.
This year, NSSF is targeting at least 10,000 units of blood out of the five day blood donation drive.

Dr Kyeyune said each hospital needs a minimum of 50 units of blood per day.
She said although currently the country is not facing blood shortage, there was still need for people to donate so as to save more lives.
Mr Alex Okello, a father whose daughter benefited from donated blood has urged more people to donate as there are people who need it in hospitals.
“After my daughter was given blood, I thanked the person who donated. I wish I knew that person and thank them but that is not possible. I decided from there and then to start donating blood,” Mr Okello said.