Africa-Press – Mauritius. The Ministry of Health and Wellness is now equipped with a new blood collection bus, to the tune of Rs 7 million. Donated by Biswal Medical Supplies Ltd, the bus is equipped with the latest technologies.
The donation ceremony was held on 23 September 2023 at La City Trianon, in the presence of the Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr Kailesh Kumar Singh Jagutpal.
In his address, Dr Jagutpal extended his gratitude to Biswal Medical Supplies Ltd for the donation of the bus which will be used by the Blood Donors’ Association (BDA) for the collection of blood across the country.
He recalled that the vehicle is equipped with the latest technologies and allows the collection of blood of four donors at the same time. It also comprises a Pre-Counselling Area as well as a space dedicated for blood donors to rest.
Furthermore, it has facilities to allow those on the wheelchair to have access on the bus, he indicated. Acknowledging the crucial role played by the BDA since its creation in 1999, Dr Jagutpal highlighted that the number of people who donate blood voluntarily is 90%.
He lauded the BDA for the work that they have been carrying out since many years and added that it is one of the most active NGOs in the country. By taking the engagement to ensure an adequate supply of blood at the Blood Bank, the BDA is a privileged partner of my Ministry, he added.
Speaking about the challenges as regards blood collection, the Health Minister pointed out that the country is being impacted by an aging population. He indicated that 260,000 people are above 60 and that many among them are blood donors.
Hence the need, he insisted, for young people to become regular blood donors. He deplored however that there are not many blood donors between the age group 18 to 45 years.
Dr Jagutpal observed that the demand for blood is increasing adding that each day some 150 pints of blood are needed by public hospitals and private clinics.
The increasing demand for blood is due to the aging population, construction of new Hospitals such as the New Cancer Hospital, and the New Flacq Hospital and clinics, he stated.
Furthermore, he highlighted that blood is needed to treat cancer patients, those who undergo surgery and dialysis, for anemic patients or women who experience complications during pregnancy.
He therefore appealed to the population to donate their blood regularly. This exercise, he underlined, consists of numerous advantages for the donors such as health tests, stabilisation of high blood pressure, and decrease of risks of cardiovascular diseases.
He further recalled that the BDA has launched a club known as Pledge 15 where young people commit to donate blood at least 15 times in the course of their life time and therefore encouraged the youth to join this club.
In 2022, 48,000 pints of blood were collected mainly from voluntary blood donors (84,7%). This year as at 31 August 2023, 36,649 pints of blood have already been collected.
For More News And Analysis About Mauritius Follow Africa-Press
