MINISTER of Health Dr. Leslie Ramsammy said efforts are continuing to ensure an adequate blood supply at all times, and emphasised that it is his ministry’s ambition to increase the optimum level of blood to 10,000 units.

To this end, 2,000 units have already been collected in the first quarter of this year, just 500 units short of a projected unit base of 2,500. Ramsammy, at a news conference on Wednesday, also pointed out that 79% of the blood collected thus far is from voluntary donors. The minister said such an effort is simply magnificent, something that is not achieved in any other CARICOM state except Suriname.
He said the current effort is on target to collect 8,000 units for this year, and that the blood drive is active in Regions Two, Three, Four, Five, Six and Ten.
Dr. Ramsammy said that 12,000 units are really required but by 2012, this amount may prove insufficient since, as health care improves, the need for blood increases.
The Minister explained that blood has to come from people as a gift, as well as being voluntary, and went on to thank the Guyanese people for their role in achieving the successes.
He also paid tribute to the younger generation of Guyanese who, unlike their older peers, do not believe that giving blood is a dangerous thing, pointing out that they have brought an entirely different awareness to blood and blood donors.
Joining Minister Ramsammy at Wednesday’s press conference to outline the current status quo as it relates to the supply of available blood at the National Blood Transfusion Service (NBTS) and efforts to replenish such a vitally important medical component, were Director of NBTS, Shameeza Mangal and Swami Ashkarananda, a collaborator in the national blood drive.

Minister Ramsammy applauded the roles of the Head of the NBTS, and that of Swami Ashkarananda, head of a local organization that is part of an international network of Hindu Charities, for their efforts towards the national blood drive.

This activity is assisted by the schools and Hindu temples and, according to the Swami, campaigns at sites such as market places and the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo).

The Swami said the goal for this year is 400 units, and explained the historical reason for this figure, alluding to the 396 persons who arrived on May 5, 1838, hence rounding of that number to 400.