Lawmakers are urging the Ministry of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development to allocate a supplementary budget of Shs10 billion to the National Drug Authority (NDA) to support the Uganda Blood Transfusion Services in conducting blood donation activities.
During a plenary sitting chaired by Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa on Tuesday, February 13, 2024, MPs responded to Tayebwa’s call for blood donation by emphasizing the critical shortage of blood in the country.
Sarah Opendi, the Tororo District Woman MP, stressed the urgent need for funding to enable the NDA to procure essential reagents and storage facilities for blood preservation.
Third Deputy Prime Minister and Minister without Portfolio, Rukia Nakadama, pledged to engage with the finance ministry to ensure that the necessary funds are allocated to the NDA.
Highlighting the significant shortfall in blood collection compared to the country’s requirements, Samuel Opio, the Kole North County MP, emphasized the importance of prioritizing funding for the Nakasero Blood Bank to fulfill its mandate.
Judith Achan, the Nwoya District Woman MP, emphasized the need for adequate blood storage facilities in all hospitals, citing challenges in preserving donated blood due to insufficient storage infrastructure.
