NBTS appeals to companies for blood donations

Lindiwe Mozola | Wednesday September 23, 2015 16:51

When presenting the northern region statistics to the stakeholders, Mosigi indicated that in 2013 companies lagged behind other blood donors, with 200 units. By comparison, secondary schools topped the list with 4,500 units of blood followed by tertiary institutes and uniformed workers. In 2014 blood collected from companies stood at 327 units, which was a slight improvement according to Mosigi.

The NBTS manager said many times they make appointments with various companies only to be cancelled at the last minute.

“That causes much inconvenience as it means a day lost without collecting blood. Looking at our annual target of blood collection which is 40,000 units, we cannot afford to go a day without any blood donations,” she said.

“Five minutes of your time and 450ml of your blood is equal to three lives saved. This shows how important it is that companies make our services a priority.”

Echoing Mosigi’s words, Itekeng ward councillor, Lesego Kwambala, noted that NBTS needed to strengthen its partnership with stakeholders if they were to reach their annual national target.

He said that the blood transfusion agency should also educate the community about the importance of donating blood.

“This means NBTS should use the media on measures such as aggressive advertisement to instil a sense of responsibility in people so that they know the significance of donating blood to save lives,” he said.

Kwambala added that the community needs to take ownership of blood donation services just as it has taken ownership of poverty eradication schemes. “Form partnerships with NGOs so that they can recruit blood donors on your behalf. NGOs never fail and they always bring results. Also implore political leaders to mobilise the community on your behalf, this will help you meet your target,” he said.

For his part, Nyangabgwe Referral Hospital Superintendent, Dr Malaki Tshipayagae, said finding adequate numbers of non-remunerated blood donors is a challenge.