Siaya county to launch Sh12m blood bank in a month’s time

The proposed building set to house the Sh12 million blood bank to be launched at Siaya town at the end of the month. [Olivia Odhiambo, Standard]

Siaya county will launch a Sh12 million blood bank to help address blood shortage in the county's health facilities.

The blood bank which is to be completed and furnished by the end of this month will be located near the County Referral hospital in Siaya town.

The construction of the blood bank which is a milestone for the health department was initiated early this year.

According to the health chief officer Dr Samwuel Omondi who spoke when they took around officials from the Controller of Budget office on a tour around projects, the project sensitisation and identification was out of the need for the county to have blood security.

Dr Omondi said lack of blood has led to high numbers deaths among mothers during deliveries and complications to many children who suffer from anaemia.

"In our area there is a problem of malaria that causes anaemia. Depending on the regional blood transfusion centre which is in Kisumu County, that many counties also rely on has not been reliable especially when we are fighting to reduce the infant mortality rate in the county. This project over here will help us a great deal," said the chief officer. 

The strategic facility is expected to work as an intervention for the growing cases of shortage of blood in health facilities in the County and its environs.

Once completed, it will reduce frequent referral cases of patients from the county facilities to other counties which ordinarily cost patients huge medical fees.

Health department officials said that data from hospital records showed that pregnant mothers and road accident victims form the largest segment of patients in need of blood in local hospitals.

The blood bank is also expected to work as an incentive for continuous blood donation and efficient supply when the need arises.

Residents have been urged to support the initiative, particularly through donation of blood.

According to a statement released by the County communication directorate the people should embrace the culture of donating blood regularly.

"Donating blood comes with health benefits to the donor and may just be the missing link to saving the life of the receiver. This would be a milestone for the County Government of Siaya as we would be at a position of having a blood reserve," read the statement.