Edo moves to establish State Blood Transfusion Service
…steps up efforts to improve safe blood access
By Olatonmiwa Osho
The Edo State Government has commenced steps to establish a State Blood Transfusion Service to improve access to safe blood and strengthen healthcare delivery across the state.
Commissioner for Health, Dr. Cyril Adams Oshiomhole, disclosed this during a meeting with the State Laboratory Technical Working Group (SLTWG), where he called for stronger collaboration among health stakeholders.
Chairman of the SLTWG, Prof. Dennis Agbonlahor, said the group was established to promote uniform standards and quality in medical laboratory services in line with Federal Ministry of Health guidelines.
Agbonlahor said the group had begun implementing the guidelines and would submit recommendations to guide the establishment of the state blood transfusion service.
He identified women experiencing childbirth complications, newborns with severe anaemia, accident victims and surgical patients as among those who require timely access to safe blood.
Agbonlahor also expressed concern over fragmented blood supply systems, inconsistent quality control and shortages, advocating a structured and centralised approach to blood banking.
He called for stronger action against quackery in medical laboratory practice, warning that inaccurate test results could undermine diagnosis and critical medical decisions.
Oshiomhole urged stakeholders to look beyond institutional limitations and work together to build a stronger and more effective health system in Edo State.
