First time ever Blood Bank realises 10,000 units – Health Minister

VLUU L200  / Samsung L200Georgetown: Minister of Health, Dr. Bheri Ramsaran and the out-going Board of Directors of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) and some members of the new board met last evening for a social interaction, during which he related that for the first time ever the National Blood Transfusion Service or the Blood Bank has received  10,000 units.

During the event at the Hibiscus Restaurant and Lounge, Middle Street, the Minister related that previously the Blood Bank would have obtained between 6,000 and 7,000 units.

Minister Ramsaran credits this achievement to Head of the Blood Bank, Dr. Nadia Liu who has a very strong technical background. He expressed his hope that by the end of the year another 5,000 units can be achieved.

Minister Ramsaran explained that most of the blood will be for the maternal department where a lot of hemorrhaging occurs. He also indicated that more blood is needed due to the increase in injuries that occur in the hinterland.

This year will see some additions to the Blood Bank as a National Chronic Disease Center will be established at the facility and a management committee to further the work of the Blood Bank.

The Minister also spoke on funding for the GPHC which he noted consumes up to 60 percent of the budgetary allocations of the Health Sector.

A plaque and other tokens were presented to the outgoing board members for their contributions to the institution.