Donating blood is a selfless and life-saving gesture, but it’s important to acknowledge that this process comes with costs. Dr. Osunkalu recently shed light on the expenses and intricacies involved in collecting, processing, and distributing blood donations, underscoring the need for recipients to share some of the financial burden.
Once blood is donated, it goes through a rigorous testing process to ensure its safety and compatibility with the recipient. These tests, aligned with the World Health Organization’s guidelines, incur significant expenses. From the use of specialized bags for blood collection, each costing over 4,000 Naira, to the meticulous screenings for diseases like hepatitis and HIV, every step comes with a price tag.
While public hospitals largely subsidize blood transfusions, it’s vital for the public to understand the true value and cost of the blood donation process. The WHO recommends that 1% of a country’s population regularly donate blood to meet national requirements, a target that Nigeria is striving to achieve.
Currently, Nigeria only fulfills 27% of its annual blood demand, leaving a concerning 73% deficit. To address this gap, raising awareness about the importance of blood donation is crucial. Active involvement from the population can help bridge the disparity between the supply and demand for blood in the country.
Healthcare professionals play a pivotal role in ensuring the safety of blood during the entire transfusion process. Every donation and transfusion must be handled with utmost care to minimize any risks to the patient.
In essence, while donating blood is an admirable and altruistic act, it’s essential to recognize the associated costs. Through public education, enhanced participation, and an unwavering commitment to safety, we can collectively save lives and meet the escalating need for blood donations in Nigeria.
For more information on this subject, you can also refer to the following articles:
– Why donated blood is not free for patients