KATH Warns of Low Blood Reserves, Appeals for Public Support.
The Transfusion Medicine Unit of the Blood Bank of Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) has appealed to the general public to make blood donation a regular habit to help save lives and ensure adequate blood reserves at the hospital.
KATH, which serves as the main referral hospital for about 12 regions across Ghana, attends to approximately 1,500 patients daily, with about 200 patients receiving care at the Emergency Unit every day.
Blood, according to hospital authorities, plays a critical role in saving the lives of many of these patients.
Speaking during a blood donation exercise organised by the Transfusion Medicine Unit, the Medical Director of KATH, Dr Kwadwo Sarbeng, stressed that blood cannot be manufactured despite modern scientific advancements.
“With all the inventions of humans, blood can never be manufactured. This makes it very important for the hospital to always have enough blood reserves so that, in times of emergency, patients will not suffer,” he said.
Dr Sarbeng further explained that KATH also supplies blood to surrounding hospitals such as Tafo, South Suntreso and Atonsu, among others.
“These hospitals depend on us for blood, so when our reserves are low, many lives are at risk. We are therefore pleading with the public to donate blood frequently to help save lives,” he added.
He made these remarks at a blood donation exercise aimed at supporting patients in urgent need and building sufficient blood stock for the hospital.
Blood is especially needed for accident victims, maternal cases, newborn babies and other critical patients. However, the hospital currently cannot boast of adequate reserves to cater for emergencies.
The Senior Blood Donor Organiser at the Transfusion Medicine Unit of KATH, Mr Anthony Asenso, also highlighted the benefits enjoyed by blood donors.
“Blood donors are given identification cards which allow them to receive blood for free whenever they need it, and this benefit also extends to their families,” he stated.
He encouraged the public to take advantage of these benefits while contributing to the saving of lives through regular blood donation.
