Togbega Gabusu VII, Paramount Chief of the Gbi Traditional Area, has launched a blood donation initiative to help address the persistent shortage of blood at the Volta Regional Hospital in Hohoe.
The initiative aims to collect 150 pints of blood on the day of the launch, with quarterly donation exercises planned across various Gbi communities and institutions.
It will also involve continuous public education on blood donation through media platforms.
Togbega Gabusu VII, speaking to the media, said blood donation not only saves lives but also benefits the health of donors, and called on the public to support efforts to stock the hospital’s blood bank.
He noted that regular quarterly donations, in collaboration with hospital management, would ensure a steady supply of blood to save patients in need.
The Paramount Chief further indicated that the hospital still required support from individuals, partners and organisations in terms of equipment to enhance healthcare delivery.
Mr Divine Aki, Administrator of the Volta Regional Hospital, said as a secondary healthcare provider for the municipality and surrounding areas, the availability of blood remained critical.
He explained that blood could not be manufactured or stored indefinitely, and must be continuously replenished through voluntary donations and stakeholder collaboration.
Mr Aki stressed that for a regional hospital, blood was especially essential for surgical procedures, including caesarean sections for mothers who required emergency intervention.
He expressed optimism that the initiative would help reduce challenges associated with blood shortages as outreach donation exercises would be organised in communities.
Mr Prosper Kumi, Hohoe Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), commended Togbega Gabusu VII and the Gbi Traditional Council for the initiative, describing it as timely and beneficial to the enclave.
He added that efforts were underway to improve the status of the hospital to meet the healthcare needs of residents and provide a conducive environment for training health students.
Reverend Bright Dzamesi, Head of the Blood Bank, Volta Regional Hospital, said a pint of blood donated could save a live in emergency cases and those in other medical conditions.
He noted that no health facility could function effectively without adequate blood supply, adding that no substitute for blood had been found, making donation crucial.
Chief Inspector Emmanuel Krakani, Second-in-Command, Volta Regional Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MMTD) on behalf of the Commander, called for restraints from road users to prevent avoidable deaths.
He also advised motorists to desist from using unauthorised lamps and sirens, as such practices were illegal. GNA
