BLOOD SHORTAGE HITS FORT-PORTAL

By Sylvia Kugonza
In Fort-Portal–
Blood shortage has hit Fort Portal Regional Blood bank, putting
lives of patients at risk of dying, if people don’t change their
attitude towards donating blood.
Dr.James Ngobi; the Director Fort Portal Blood Bank discloses that they
are experiencing blood shortage following a high demand.
He attributes the shortage to the negative attitude of the people of
Rwenzori region towards blood donation.

Dr.Ngobi explains that blood bank now faces the budget constraints
after Americans through the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) funding pulled out remaining only with government assistance that cannot enable them transport staff to the rural communities to mobilize people and collect blood.

He narrates that Fort Portal regional blood bank requires 27,000 units
of blood per annum and at least 2,000 per months but they only collect
800 units a month.
Dr.Ngobi is now encouraging people to embrace the
campaign and start donating blood adding this week they have launched a one week Blood Donation Drive in Fort Portal at Balya Green Belt, KCB Bank, Mpanga market and Kabundaire.

Herbert Mugerwa the Blood donor recruiter says after Christmas is a
dangerous period when all the blood is consumed and students who are
major donors are in holidays.
Mugerwa asks all the people to be responsible and start donating blood
to save the lives of Ugandans during this blood donation drive in Fort
Portal town that commenced on Monday 8th and ends on Saturday 13th.

Mugerwa however reveals that shortage of blood affects mostly the
pregnant mothers, children below five, cancer patients, accident
victims and people undergoing surgery.
Mid-September last year, eight people died at Fort Portal Regional
Referral Hospital following blood an acute blood shortage.
Fort Portal Regional blood bank serves the districts of Kyegegwa,
Kyenjojo,Kamwenge, Bundibugyo,Ntoroko,Kasese,Bunyangabu and some patients from DR Congo.
Source: www.mknewslink.com a greater western Uganda news website
Email: wmuhwezi75@gmail.com
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