Hoima regional blood bank equipment undergo testing

The government has initiated testing on the newly installed equipment at the Hoima Regional Blood Bank, a facility valued at 2.9 billion shillings.

This blood bank, with a capacity of 50,000 units, is expected to significantly alleviate the persistent blood shortages that have plagued the Bunyoro sub-region.

The facility will allow Hoima Regional Referral Hospital to reduce its reliance on the Nakasero Blood Bank for blood screening and supply.

For years, the region has struggled with blood shortages, which have led to preventable deaths.

The most recent crisis occurred earlier this year when Hoima Regional Hospital nearly ran out of blood supplies.

Due to high national demand, deliveries from Nakasero Blood Bank were often delayed, exacerbating the situation.

Dr Ibrahim Bwaga, the administrator at Hoima Regional Referral Hospital, explained that the current system requires sending collected blood to Nakasero for testing, but fewer units are returned than are needed.

"We collect blood, but since we don't have a blood bank here, we send it to Nakasero for testing. Unfortunately, we often receive fewer units back, despite the high demand," Dr Bwaga noted.

He added that the hospital receives patients from across the region who require urgent blood transfusions.

However, this problem is expected to be resolved soon.

Dr Bwaga confirmed that the government is in the final stages of testing the equipment at the new blood bank in Kasingo, Hoima City.

"Once testing is complete and the facility is fully functional, the region will no longer face blood shortages," he said.

The facility is equipped with blood refrigerators, collection packs, and a backup generator to ensure continuous operation, even during power outages.

The new blood bank has the capacity to store 50,000 units of blood, while the region's demand is only 20,000 units per year. "We will have more than enough blood, but we urge the community to donate. Blood is not manufactured; it’s a precious gift that can save lives," Dr. Bwaga emphasized, calling for increased donations.

Badru Mugabi, the Hoima City Resident Commissioner, highlighted the importance of the blood bank in improving healthcare standards in the region.

He also warned against the illegal sale of blood, a practice that has been reported in the past.

"The government is committed to improving health services. We appeal to hospitals not to sell blood, ensuring that no one dies due to a lack of money for a life-saving transfusion," Mugabi stated.

The Bunyoro region requires over 20,000 units of blood annually but currently only collects 14,000, leading to a deficit that has cost many lives.

The new Hoima Regional Blood Bank is expected to close this gap and ensure the availability of adequate blood supplies in the region.