The ban on all social gathering announced by President Akufo-Addo as a means of controlling the spread of the novel coronavirus is proving to be a huge impediment in the way of blood banks.
Hospitals with blood banks are struggling to mobilise people to donate blood.
The management of the Tamale Teaching Hospital have indicated that the new directive has taken a toll on the hospital’s blood bank.
In an interview with Accra-based Citi FM, monitored by theghanareport.com, the management of the facility explained that they were unable to conduct mass exercises for the public to donate blood.
They argued that the alternative has been to rely on a family replacement method for the blood bank.
“The main source for the mobilisation of blood has been through social gathering at schools, market places, youth groups in the town and people beyond the Tamale Metropolis.
“Currently, what we do is to request that the number of pints that is going to be transfused on the patient will be replaced by other members of the family or friends,” the acting Public Relations Officer at the Msbau Mohammed stated.
He added that the hospital is liaising with the Tamale Metropolitan Assembly and the Regional Coordinating Council to allow some interested youth groups who wish to donate, do so with ease.
In a bid to deal with the crisis, the National Blood Service in Accra has said it would supply blood to only hospitals with emergency cases.
Meanwhile, a Blood Safety Officer of the National Blood Service, Dr Micheal Acquah, said an appointment system had been introduced for voluntary blood donors.
It is a serious matter. As a nation let’s continue to seek the face of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. It shall be well