The Nigerian Red Cross Society, Nasarawa State Branch has charged individuals to donate blood in order to save lives as the world commemorate the World Blood Donor Day.
The Chairman of the Nigerian Red Cross Society, Nasarawa State Branch, Dr Justina Kotso made the call on Saturday in Lafia at the Federal University Teaching Hospital( FUTH), Lafia.
Dr Kotso represented by State secretary of the Society, Mr Jerry Kuje, emphasised the organisation’s commitment to alleviating human suffering, neutrality, and humanity through different programmes such blood donation campaigns, disaster management, First aid and ambulance services among others.
“Our services are voluntarily, we are neutral and humane. Our organisation is non-religious, non-ethnic, and non-political. We assist the whole vulnerable people that need help,” she said.
She expressed gratitude to FUTH Lafia for their long-standing support and partnership with the Nigerian Red Cross Society and appealed for sustenance.
She also acknowledged the dedication of health workers in saving lives.
“We want to say thank you to all the health workers for the job you have been doing to save lives for our donors. We pray that God will replenish you in million folds,” she concluded.
On his part, the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of FUTH Lafia, Dr Ikrama Hassan, represented by the Director, Medical Laboratory Services, Dr Zakou Ahmadou, expressed gratitude to the Red Cross for the blood donation.
“Blood is an essential product in human life, and nothing can replace it. Whoever gives blood saves lives,” he said, assuring that the donated blood would be given to those in need.
The CMD also clarified allegations against the hospital, stating, “We don’t sell blood donated freely by blood donors. We only charge for the services of screening services and transfusion fee.”
He appreciated the Nigerian Red Cross Society and the World Health Organisation for their humanitarian services.
Speaking on the benefits of blood donation, Head of Haematology, Bakare Ganiu said donating blood means saving a life and it has no negative effects.
He, therefore encouraged people to donate blood, noting that it also provides an opportunity to know one’s current health status.
Some of the blood donors, Hajiya Amina Mohammed and Mrs Patience Jacob, expressed happiness for sacrificing their blood to save lives.
They encouraged others to donate blood at least once a year, especially on World Blood Donor Day.
The event aimed to promote blood donation and raise awareness about its importance in saving lives.
