WORLD BLOOD DONOR DAY: RANDLE GENERAL HOSPITAL COMMENDS VOLUNTARY BLOOD DONORS 

The Medical Director of Randle General Hospital, Surulere, Dr. Mobolaji Olumide Sojinrin, has commended the impressive turnout of voluntary blood donors during the 2023 World Blood Donor Day (WBDD) commemorated by the Hospital.

Speaking during the voluntary blood donation exercise organised by the hospital to mark the Day on Wednesday, Dr. Sojinrin said June 14 of every year is set aside across the globe to mark World Blood Donor Day (WBDD), as a way of spreading awareness among people, about the importance of donating blood to save lives and as well appreciate the voluntary donors for their kind and unconditional humanitarian gesture.

The Medical Director affirmed that the majority of the hospital staff, doctors, nurses, carers, admin officers, health attendants, as well as members of the public voluntarily took part in the exercise by coming out en-mass to donate blood voluntarily. 

He also observed that all hands were on deck during the blood donation exercise as both clinical and non-clinical staff of the hospital worked together diligently to ensure that the exercise was professionally carried out. 

Dr. Sojinrin noted that the hospital also distributed food, drinks, water, snacks, mugs and biros to all voluntary Donors as a way of expressing appreciation for their kind and humanitarian gesture. 

His words: “Donating blood is gifting someone a ‘Precious life’, putting a smile on the face of the needy. It also comes with health benefits on the part of the donor such as lowering the risks of cardiovascular diseases and maintaining healthy liver by removing excess iron from the body, among others. The importance of blood donation cannot be overemphasised in saving lives and reducing mortality rate in our society”.

Also speaking, Dr. Adabale Abosede, a Consultant at the Haematology Department, Randle General Hospital, said “When a PCV is below 40%, the patient cannot go further for bleeding, but if it is 40% above, then such a patient is good to go for bleeding. However, women can actually go with 38% and above unlike men, whose PCV should be 40% and above.

Dr. Adabale explained further that the blood sample collected is usually taken for HIV, Hepatitis B, C and VDRL screening where the outcome of the result will then determine its use.

In her words: “At least a pint of blood (about 500ml) is taken from a voluntary donor who, after going through the screening process to determine his eligibility, is found fit to donate. The procedure starts with checking of vitals, Blood pressure (BP), pulse, weight and height of the proposed donor, after which he proceeds to the Phlebotomy room for PCV collection, the outcome of the PCV result will determine the next stage whether or not the patient can go ahead for bleeding”.

Certificates were presented to all the donors for future reference.