NBTA Coordinator reports…
THE increase in patient population translates into a greater need and Coordinator of the National Blood Transfusion Services (NBTS), Ms. Shameeza Mangal said the bank requires more donors. “Right now, we are doing heavy donor recruitment. We are doing a lot of calling back, trying to get those who donated before to come in. Around this time, there are several surgeries being done so we need blood,” she told the Guyana Chronicle Wednesday.
Mangal said there is a particular demand for the O positive, which is the largest blood group.
Voluntary givers are welcomed at all five sites nationwide, the NBTS headquarters in Georgetown, West Demerara Regional, New Amsterdam, Suddie and Linden hospitals.
In general, anyone between 17 and 70 years of age, weighing more than 110 pounds and in good health can give blood.
But people cannot if they are pregnant, have a chesty cough, sore throat or active old sore, have previously given in the past 12 weeks, are taking antibiotics or have just finished or if they are HIVpositive, suffering from hepatitis B or hepatitis C, Mangal explained.
She pointed out that the Good Samaritan Programme is this country’s flagship,  designed to encourage all adult Guyanese to become blood donors. It allows each Guyanese to contribute to saving lives and, through it, the Health Ministry aims to recruit at least 7,000 regular voluntary donors.
Mangal said, if the target is met and donors give blood twice a year, Guyana can be be assured of 12,000 units annually.
She said blood, like every part of the body, needs good nutrition. So, a healthy balanced diet, with plenty of fruit and vegetables, will help maintain a healthy flow.