Coordinating minister of health and social welfare, Prof. Mohammed Ali Pate, has reiterated that the use of Rapid Test Kit for blood screening is unacceptable.
The minister spoke at a press briefing on the occasion of the 2023 National Blood Donor Day, themed: “Blood donation the real act of humanity; Donate blood, give smiles” yesterday in Abuja.
National Blood Donor Day is commemorated every December 8 with the aim to ensure the availability of safe and adequate blood for Nigerians in need of it.
Represented by the director and head, teaching hospital division of the ministry, Anuma Ogbonna, Pate stated that the use of Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) technique remained the minimum standard for screening of blood meant for transfusion purposes in Nigeria, adding that the continuous use of Rapid Test-kits to screen blood meant for blood transfusion in the country was unacceptable.
He emphasised that the decision aligned with resolutions made during the 55th National Council on Health meeting underlining the importance of upholding stringent screening measures to ensure the safety and quality of blood and blood products.
He urged all stakeholders involved in blood safety to fully comply with the government’s decision, reinforcing the commitment to safeguarding the health and well-being of the Nigerian population.
According to him, the National Blood Service Commission (NBSC) has commenced the registration of all hospital blood banks and Blood Establishments (BEs) nationwide in order to curb unwholesome blood transfusion practices.
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