Rotary clubs target 1,000 pints of blood in voluntary donation

Pints of blood were donated at the safe blood donation camp organised by Rotary International, District 9110.

The programme, which was initiated by the Rotary Club of Lagos Palmgrove Estate, took place at the Rotary Centre, GRA, Ikeja, Lagos State.

According to the District Governor, Patrick Ikheloa, the project was embarked on to help humanity and the government, with a view to having enough blood in the blood bank.

“We are partnering with the Rotary Club of Lagos Palmgrove Estate and five other clubs to carry out this programme so that we can reach as many donors as possible.

“I urge Nigerians to cooperate by making themselves available for donation in government designated areas as well as during our similar programme, which would be held every month to save lives,” he said.

District Chairman, public relations and image committee, Past President Ramesh Biswal, said the signature project of the district is targeting 1,000 pints of blood, while the District Governor-elect, Dr. Wale Ogunbadejo, said donors would be treated free with their voluntary blood donor’s card in case of emergency.

Executive Secretary, Lagos State Blood Transfusion Service, Dr. Modupe Olaiya, underscored the mportance of blood donation and remarked that blood cannot be manufactured and it could only be obtained from human beings, not from animals.

“As long as we have up to 100,000 units of blood yearly in Lagos State and 6,000 units every month, we would be close to meeting the demand of the public.

“The government is partnering with Rotary Club with a view to getting those who can donate their blood voluntarily. We cannot force people to donate blood against their will. ”