Authorities in Seychelles have expressed disappointment over the latest blood drive, which was held on Friday, following a poor turnout.
The Blood Transfusion Center (BTC) of the Ministry of Health organised a blood drive on Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Seychelles Hospital.
According to Elizabeth Banda, the BTC’s director, “the only individuals who have turned up are those who have patients on the ward whom they are giving blood to” since the drive started on Friday morning.
Other donors, according to her, were individuals from county workplaces who had made the same decision to donate their blood and “by chance on the day that we have scheduled for us to obtain new volunteer donors,” she added.
The BTC “operates on a daily basis, so people may still come in and provide blood,” Banda told SNA, despite the poor turnout.
Blood donation can continue on a voluntary basis at the BTC, which is open on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., throughout the whole year.
Banda expressed hope that more individuals will show up later in the campaign, increasing the number of recurring contributors.
For those who haven’t traveled recently, another one is scheduled for December 16. Before being utilised, all blood donations are tested for diseases including syphilis, hepatitis B and C, and HIV.
The Ministry of Health organised the blood donation day since it has observed that the BTC regularly has a reduction in blood donors over the holiday season, which has a significant impact on the care of patients in need.
The centre presently has 200 regular donors and is available to anybody 18 years of age and older with a good hemoglobin count, weight, and blood pressure. Blood pressure, hemoglobin, viruses, and blood type are all thoroughly screened for in donors.
As it aids in the detection of illnesses and allows for follow-up care, this is also advantageous for the blood donor.