Days after a young woman died while awaiting blood in the public healthcare system, Health Minister Lackram Bodoe is making an appeal to the nation to donate more blood. This as Trinidad and Tobago is currently attaining less than half of the WHO's annual blood donation standards. Rynessa Cutting has more from the Minister's contribution at AMCHAM's HSSE Conference.
00:00While not directly responding to reports of a blood shortage in the public health care system,
00:06Health Minister Dr. Lark Rambodo is confirming that TNT has not met its annual blood donation targets.
00:14Our country, based on the WHO standards, requires a donation of 40,000 units annually.
00:20At this point in time, we are just able, in fact, the figures for last year show that we were only able to get about 17 or 18 units.
00:30So there is a big gap that needs to be addressed and that needs to be filled.
00:35So please welcome the blood bank mobile unit when it arrives at your workplace in the very near future.
00:43And of course, I trust and hope that, you know, we can partner together as we go forward.
00:48The minister's remarks come mere days after it was reported that a young woman died while awaiting a blood transfusion in the public health care system.
00:57Since her passing, many social media users have lamented what they see as a lengthy and complicated process to access blood.
01:06And this is something that comes to the forefront every time there's an accident in the industry.
01:12And this is the issue of blood availability and blood donation.
01:16Every unit of blood donated can save up to three lives.
01:20It is a gift of life, a gesture of solidarity, and a vital component of our emergency response systems.
01:29I encourage all eligible citizens to become regular donors.
01:33In times of crisis, whether natural disasters, accidents, or public health emergencies, having a robust blood supply can mean the difference between life and death.
01:46The health minister says the ministry will be embarking on a drive to increase voluntary, non-remunerated blood donations.
01:52I want to extend an invitation to all of the corporate entities that are here and who are listening on to join us in championing the national blood donation drive.
02:06By supporting this cause, you not only invest in the health of our communities, but also demonstrate leadership in building a culture of care and resilience.
02:16And of course, in the coming days, I'll be speaking a bit more about the plans of the Ministry of Health to increase our blood donation.
Be the first to comment