By Adama Makasuba
The Ministry of Health has rejected circulated social media report on lack of blood bags in health facilities across the country and called it false story.
ModouNjai, Director of Health Promotion and Education has said that the Ministry of Health “would like to inform the public that adequate stock of blood bags are currently available at the Central Medical Stores in Kotu which are distributed to the various health facilities through the Logistic Management System which is efficient and reliable.”
“The health facilities are usually supplied upon requisition and that has been adhered to over the period. The Logistic Management System detects adequacies or shortages and ensure equitable distribution of supplies in health facilities,” he added.
“The Ministry of Health has 11 Blood Transfusion centres in which Blood Transfusion Services are provided. These centres provide an opportunity for the public to voluntarily donate blood to people that requires the services. These centres include: EFSTH, Kanifing Hospital, Bundung Maternal Hospital, Brikama District Hospital, Bwiam General Hospital, Soma District Hospital, Bansang General Hospital, Basse District Hospital, Farafenni General Hospital and Essau District Hospital. In addition, Sukuta Minor Health Centre serves as a blood collection centre for onward transmission to the nearest blood transfusion centre.
“The Ministry of Health would like to assure the public that efforts will be made to ensure an uninterrupted blood transfusion service including the availability of blood bags in all blood transfusion centres in the country. Thus, the Ministry would like to clarify that blood bags are available in health facilities and the public is encouraged to donate blood.
“In order to avoid misinformation and rumours regarding the services provided by the Ministry of Health, it will be appreciated if all media houses seek for information and clarification before publishing unverified information,” he appealed.
He therefore urged the general public to always try to call the Ministry’s Toll-Free Number 1025 or visit the Ministry website www.moh.gov for more information. The Ministry of Health solicits the support and cooperation of the public in the delivery of quality, affordable and accessible health care services across the country.