… as the demand keeps growing
HEALTH Minister Dr Leslie Ramsammy is appealing to citizens to come on board with the blood donation drive, as there is a growing demand for blood, despite the success of the ongoing voluntary programmes.
He made this appeal during an interview with the Guyana Chronicle, yesterday, at Cara Lodge on Quamina Street.
The minister highlighted that the average daily demand for blood is 25 to 30 units, a target they are “struggling to achieve.”
He noted  that if persons can see the importance of blood donation, then the sector will be able make its target of at least 120 to 150 units for storage in the blood bank, so as to be on the safe side in times of emergency.
And so the health sector has embarked on a campaign to achieve 100 percent voluntary blood donations.
He said the need for blood has increased tremendously, but despite this no one should be forced to pay exorbitant prices for blood.
“Anyone who has to receive blood should ask questions as to where the blood came from, because every unit donated faces a rigorous screening process within the sector,” Ramsammy added.
Recently the health ministry took its outreach to Cotton Tree in Region 6 (East Berbice/Corentyne), where some 42 units of blood were donated by villagers.
The minister expressed gratitude to those who are currently donating blood, and urged them to keep up the good work to assist in saving lives countrywide.
In the public sector, a battery of tests is done on blood donations to ensure safety, and the private operators are asked to pay a fraction of the cost of testing.
Ramsammy also urged private operators to desist from charging patients for blood, as it should be a free donation, part of a national service.