The Sunday News
Lackson Munkombwe
NATIONAL Blood Service Zimbabwe (NBSZ) has adequate blood stocks to cater for all emergencies that are likely to be experienced during the festive season.
NBSZ information officer Mrs Esther Massundah said blood stocks were stable although they could be compromised by any disaster that might occur.
“Currently, our blood bank levels are stable and there is no need to panic. However, they could be compromised anytime by a disaster that may prevail.
“But as an organisation we have to manage and plan since we cannot predict what will happen tomorrow,” Mrs Massundah said.
She said NBSZ should be ready to overcome any emergency that may occur and appealed to members of the public to continue donating blood in their numbers.
“Accidents deeply impact on blood bank stocks, hence the need for people to donate blood so that it is available when needed. We urge members of the public to continue supporting the blood donation exercises. We need to keep our blood bank stocked to ensure that we meet the requirements of patients,” she said.
She, however, said blood is never enough because it is a perishable product with a short shelf life, a reason why the service continuously encourages people to donate blood so that stocks are replenished.
“As a service, we intensify our efforts to ensure that our supply meets the demands by having various activities and closely monitoring our stocks with demand. If demand decreases or increases, we adjust our collections accordingly,” Mrs Massundah said. “The festive season campaign will be run through the NBSZ branch static clinics in Harare, Bulawayo, Gweru, Masvingo and Mutare. The target is to collect 5 570 units of blood during the festive season.”
She also said that donating blood was a safe and healthy thing to do since one receives vital checks such as blood pressure, heart rate, body temperature and iron level.
“The NBSZ has been and is still urging all blood donors who have missed out on a donation and also those who meet the minimum requirements to find the time to make a blood donation,” she said.
Mrs Massundah said that road traffic accidents are still and will always be a cause for concern hence it is imperative for motorists to be responsible during holidays by driving to stay alive and donating blood to save lives.
