The newly constructed Shs 4 billion Hoima Regional Blood Bank has officially launched walk-in blood donations for willing donors.
The blood bank, located in Kasingo, Hoima City, aims to collect 100 units of blood per month to address the persistent blood shortage in the region.
Blood shortages have been a major challenge in the Bunyoro sub-region, with collected blood samples previously being taken to the Nakasero Blood Bank for testing before being returned to Hoima Regional Referral Hospital.
Due to the distance, the region has lost many patients, including expectant mothers in need of transfusions and victims of accidents. Some patients lost their lives at Hoima Regional Referral Hospital, while others died en route to Kampala for further referral.
To address these challenges, the government initiated the construction of the blood bank in Hoima in 2023, at a cost of Shs 4 billion, to serve the entire Bunyoro sub-region.
Now that the blood bank is complete and its equipment is being tested, with final touches being made on the staff quarters, the facility has launched walk-in blood donations for individuals willing to donate blood.
Benda, the leader of the Hoima Blood Distribution and Collection Centre, encouraged residents to visit the blood bank in Kasingo to donate.
“We are launching our walk-in blood donation initiative today. We hope people will come and donate blood here. What we need most is publicity to make people aware of this provision. Our target is to collect at least 100 units of blood every month,” Benda said.
He emphasised that the goal is to reduce reliance on blood donation drives.
“Normally, our best clients are schools. When they are on holiday, we struggle. Sometimes, we organize drives and stage collection centers at events, but this is tiresome. We want people to take it upon themselves to save lives as a personal responsibility. They can now come here and donate blood freely without us having to look for them,” he stated.
Badru Mugabi, the Hoima Resident City Commissioner, urged people in Hoima and the wider Bunyoro sub-region to donate blood.
“The blood bank is here. We don’t want to have excuses for blood shortages anymore. This is only possible if you, the people of Hoima and Bunyoro, donate blood. Let’s donate for the cause of saving the lives of our relatives, friends, and children,” he urged.
Once the staff quarters are complete, and the machines are fully installed and tested, the blood bank will be officially launched on a date that is yet to be announced.
