Latest update April 19th, 2024 12:59 AM
Jul 19, 2018 News
The National Blood Transfusion Services [NBTS] is in dire need of blood to satisfy the ever growing demand for this “life saving” product. According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Public Health, at this time of the year the demand is high, and the blood bank is short of all blood groups.
The goal of the NBTS is for all the blood supplied in Guyana to be collected from voluntary, healthy donors.
“The unit of blood you donate is screened and delivered through a network of Blood Banks countrywide and used as needed. Every day, pregnant women, children, youths, adults and the elderly need blood in both our public and private hospitals,” the statement added.
Person eligible to donate must be 17 years or older, in generally good health, free from any blood-borne disease and weigh at least 110 pounds. Once found suitable to donate, persons can also opt to become a Voluntary Blood Donor.
NBTS Director, Dr. Pedro Lewis, is calling on all of Guyana to support the NBTS as it works towards 100 percent voluntary donation in 2018. “We appeal to all our voluntary donors and new donors to visit the NBTS, our blood donation facilities at New Amsterdam, West Demerara, Suddie and Linden hospitals or one of our mobile units and “give a pint!”
The NBTS which is located at East and Lamaha Streets [in the Georgetown Public Hospital compound] operates between the hours of 08:00 hours to 18:00 hours from Monday to Friday and on Saturdays 9:00hours- 15:00hours.
The donation process is very simple and requires that persons register as a donor and undergo mini health checks comprising of their body weight, pulse, blood pressure, temperature and HB [Iron] level. The potential donor’s blood type will also be identified at this stage.
Further, the individual will be subjected to a brief interview to determine if their sexual lifestyle and medical history permits them to donate blood. This session is very private and confidential, according to the Ministry’s statement. Once the individual has been cleared as an eligible donor, the actual blood donation stage commences during which a unit [less than a pint] of blood will be taken. Donors are provided with some form of refreshment once the blood donation process is completed.
The entire blood donation process takes 20 minutes and a person, who fits the criteria, can donate blood every two months. Blood donation allows the body to produce new red blood cells which carries oxygen around the body. Once these new cells are replicated, it allows the donor to feel more rejuvenated and healthier.
Blood cannot be stored for long periods. One unit can be processed into three component parts each of which has the potential of saving a life when used to treat separate medical conditions.
For further enquires persons can call: [592] 223-7182, 225-4972, 669-8776 or 644-9590.
Please share this to every Guyanese including your house cats.
Apr 19, 2024
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