Bunyoro communities urged to donate blood as Hoima Blood Bank awaits official opening
Mugabi revealed that the government has spent the past week receiving necessary equipment to ensure the official opening of the blood bank.
Hoima: Communities in Bunyoro region are being encouraged to step forward and voluntarily donate blood to help save lives, as the newly constructed UGX 4.5 billion Hoima blood bank opens its doors to walk-in donors.
The blood bank, which began operations on January 5, aims to collect 100 units of blood each month to address the region’s persistent blood shortages.
Badru Mugabi, the Hoima City Resident Commissioner (RCC), made this call during a statement from his office on Monday.
He emphasized that once the government fully equips the blood bank and opens it to the public, it will play a crucial role in resolving blood shortages in the region. Mugabi urged the communities to increase their blood donations to ensure a steady supply.
The facility, located in Kasingo, includes key components such as a staff house and a bleeding room. Mugabi revealed that the government has spent the past week receiving necessary equipment to ensure the official opening of the blood bank.
The government’s investment, along with the presence of these advanced machines, aims to streamline blood collection and storage.
Mugabi also expressed optimism about the impact the regional blood bank would have on local healthcare, as it will allow the region to process its own blood products and distribute them within and beyond Bunyoro. He urged local communities to embrace voluntary blood donation as a way to contribute to this life-saving cause.
The Ministry of Health, with funding from the Uganda Intergovernmental Fiscal Transfer (UGIFT), launched the blood bank’s construction in 2022, aiming to provide easier access to blood transfusions in the region.
Dr. Ibrahim Bwaga, Director of Hoima Regional Referral Hospital, explained that the new blood bank would help improve healthcare service delivery and ensure an adequate supply of blood and blood products for patients in need.
He shared that previously, all blood tests and donations were sent to the Nakasero blood bank in Kampala. However, the region often received less blood than it donated. The new facility will eliminate these challenges.
Currently, specialists are busy installing and testing the equipment at the blood bank, ensuring that everything functions precisely as required. Dr. Bwaga highlighted the importance of ensuring that blood is stored in a strict environment with accurate systems for maintaining its safety.
Mugabi assured the public that the construction of the regional blood bank met international standards and that the project’s overall quality had been verified. He stressed that the blood bank would be fully functional and able to serve the needs of the Bunyoro region and surrounding areas.
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