Lagos: Prof. Lanre Adeyemo, the Chief Medical Director of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), has announced that the hospital requires 25,000 units of blood annually to cater to its daily inpatients and weekly surgeries. This statement was made during the unveiling ceremony of the IH-500 Immunohaematology System.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the introduction of the IH-500 has made LUTH the first healthcare provider in Nigeria and West Africa to acquire such a machine. The unveiling, held in the Department of Haematology and Blood Transfusion at LUTH, Idi-Araba, was part of the World Blood Donor Day celebrations. The IH-500 is a fully automated system designed for blood grouping, crossmatching, and antigen and antibody identification across various groups including patients, donors, and newborns. Its functionality and design aim to reduce manual handling time, optimize workflow, and ensure excellence in modern Immunohaematology.
Prof. Adeyemo, represented by Prof. Ayodeji Oluwole, highlighted that LUTH receives referrals from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. He expressed gratitude towards voluntary donors and health workers for their contributions, emphasizing the importance of safe blood availability. Adeyemo urged the media to demystify blood donation and called for sustained government investment in blood services. He articulated that a single unit of blood could save three lives, underscoring the crucial role of public participation in blood donation.
Prof. Titilope Adeyemo, Head of the Department of Haematology and Blood Transfusion, reiterated the hospital’s mission, aligned with this year’s theme: ‘One Drop of Humanity. Give Blood. Save Lives.’ She stressed the hospital’s commitment to moving towards 100% voluntary, non-remunerated blood donations. The current donation statistics at LUTH show 12% voluntary donations against 88% paid donations. Prof. Adeyemo called for regular voluntary donations to establish a sustainable blood supply.
Mr. Adeyinka Adewale, Coordinator of the Voluntary Blood Donor Recruitment Unit, mentioned that voluntary donors saved an estimated 300 lives in the past year. He highlighted the ongoing need for donations, with only three out of every 100 eligible individuals donating regularly. Adewale encouraged the public to donate and the media to share donor stories to promote blood donation.
Mrs. Ayoba Oremosu, Deputy Director of the Haematology and Blood Transfusion Department, noted that regular blood donation aids in bone marrow regeneration for donors and provides psychological benefits through the satisfaction of saving lives. The World Blood Donor Day, celebrated annually on June 14, includes recognition and awards for regular donors who contribute hope to humanity.