The Nigerian government is set to establish blood bank transfusion centers in all 36 states to improve access to emergency blood supplies. This initiative, announced by Prof. Mohammed Ali Pate, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, aims to alleviate the hardship patients face in accessing blood during emergencies .
The project is part of the National Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System (NEMSAS), a Federal Ministry of Health initiative. NEMSAS will provide quality, efficient, and accessible transport and treatment services at no cost to patients across the country. This effort is crucial in achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) as prescribed by the National Health Act (NHA) .
Currently, the National Blood Service Agency (NBSA) has established 17 blood collection, testing, and distribution centers in the six geo-political zones of Nigeria. The agency plans to scale up these services to more states and local government areas .
*Key Benefits of the Initiative:*
– _Improved Access to Emergency Blood Supplies_: Patients will have timely access to blood during emergencies.
– _Enhanced Healthcare Services_: Quality, prompt, and efficient transport and treatment services will be available at no cost.
– _Progress Towards Universal Health Coverage_: This initiative brings Nigeria closer to achieving UHC.
This development is a significant step towards strengthening Nigeria’s healthcare system and ensuring that citizens have access to essential medical services.
