By Catherine Egwuom
Prof. Lanre Adeyemo, the Chief Medical Director, Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) says that with no fewer than 1,050 inpatients daily, and an average of 100 surgeries performed weekly, the hospital requires 25,000 units of blood annually.
Adeyemo disclosed this on Monday during the unveiling of the IH-500 Immunohaematology System.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the introduction of the IH-500 makes LUTH the first healthcare provider to acquire the machine in Nigeria and West Africa.
The unveiling of the machine for the Department of Haematology and Blood Transfusion, Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Idi-Araba was carried out to commemorate the World Blood Donor Day .
The IH-500 is a fully automated system for blood grouping, crossmatching and antigen and antibody identification for patients, donors and newborns.
The machine combines functionality and design to meet the changing needs of the modern Immunohaematology by reducing hands-on time, optimising work flow and ensuring excellence.
Speaking during the event, Adeyemo, who was represented by Prof. Ayodeji Oluwole, Chairman, Medical Advisory Committee, LUTH, said that the hospital received referrals from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
The chief medical officer appreciated the voluntary donors, and health workers for their service to humanity.
“We have restructured our Blood Transfusion Centre to align with the African Society of Blood Transfusion’s standards to ensure that every unit of blood is properly screened.
“Our work is not done. An endless beat requires endless commitment. Let today be a renewal of our collective vows: No patient shall die at LUTH for lack of safe blood.
“To the media, help us demystify donation. To the public, your one unit of blood can save three lives. To the government we need sustained investment,” he said.
Prof. Titilope Adeyemo, Head, Department of Haematology and Blood Transfusion, LUTH, said this year’s theme: “One Drop of Humanity. Give Blood. Save Lives,” reflected the hospital’s mission.
According to her, every heartbeat in a patient’s chest continues because of a transfusion made possible by a donor who asks for nothing in return.
Adeyemo reaffirmed commitment to transitioning toward 100% voluntary, non-remunerated, repeated blood donation.
“For years, we have operated in a cycle of scarcity, dependent on family replacement donations and last minute appeals. That era must end.
“LUTH has 12% voluntary donation, 88% paid donation. We appeal for regular, committed voluntary donations. Repeated donation builds a sustainable blood supply.
“Today, I am proud to announce a major leap forward in blood safety at LUTH. We are commissioning the IH-500 Immunohaematology System to begin full clinical operations,” she said.
Mr Adeyinka Adewale, Coordinator, Voluntary Blood Donor Recruitment Unit, LUTH, said in the past year alone, voluntary blood donors had helped the hospital save an estimated 300 lives.
He noted the constant need for more donations, saying it called for urgent action as only three out of every 100 eligible people donated regularly.
Adewale called on the public to look for donation centres to donate and save lives, and urged the media to share donor stories, not just statistics, to support blood donation.
Mrs Ayoba Oremosu, Deputy Director, Haematology and Blood Transfusion Department, LUTH, said regular donation helped the donor in the area of bone marrow regeneration.
Oremosu added that blood donation also benefited the donor psychologically with the satisfaction that he had saved life.
NAN reports that the World Blood Donor Day is celebrated on June 14 every year.
LUTH recognises and awards regular donors for the hope given to humanity.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Christiana Fadare
