Blood donors have expressed dissatisfaction with healthcare professionals who sell blood to them, despite blood donations being provided free of charge. During a blood donation campaign at Norvick Hospital, donors emphasized the need for the government to implement strict regulations to deter the sale of blood in healthcare facilities.
Stanley Dembe, a motor vehicle electrician from Wakiso district, voiced his frustration, stating that individuals who sell blood undermine the efforts of voluntary blood donors. He highlighted that this practice contributes to blood shortages in health facilities, ultimately resulting in preventable deaths. Dembe stressed the importance of implementing stringent measures to hold unscrupulous medics accountable, which would in turn encourage more people to donate blood.
Adeline Matthew, the head of strategic business at Norvik Hospital, organized a blood donation drive in response to the blood crisis in the country, aiming to contribute to the Nakasero Blood Bank and prevent further loss of life. She emphasized the urgent need for strict laws to deter the sale of blood.
Charity Turyamuhakira, a donor clerk from Nakasero Blood Bank, reported a successful blood donation campaign, with 37 people donating blood on the first day and 85 units on the following day. She echoed the call for government intervention to address the issue of blood sales in healthcare facilities.
Government action has been initiated, with the Uganda Transfusion Services (UBTS) and the Ministry of Health collaborating to investigate and address the sale of blood in hospitals. Dr. Dorothy Kyeyune Byabazaire, Executive Director of UBTS, provided assurance that measures are being taken to curb this practice, with those caught engaging in the sale of blood facing punitive measures.
The upcoming 11th Africa for Blood Transfusion (AFSBT) Congress aims to address the sustainability and scaling up of blood transfusion services in Africa, providing a platform to tackle challenges such as the sale of blood.
