MUKONO.The Uganda Blood Transfusion Services [UBTS] has made a remarkable achievement, collecting over 15,000 units of blood to save patients who urgently need blood across the country.
The initiative, led by the Indian Association Uganda in conjunction with the Indian High Commission, UBTS, and the Uganda Red Cross Society, surpassed its target of 11,000 units.
Mr William Mugisha from UBTS on Sunday in Kampala, appreciated the Indian community for the great success, noting that other communities should emulate them.
This has been a holiday time where we run out of blood when students are at home . He said students contribute seven percent of the blood donation to the country.
“We supply blood all over the health facilities in Uganda to save the lives of many, including sickle-cell patients, accident victims, expectant mothers and others,” he said
UBTS supplies blood to 500 healthcare facilities daily and struggles to meet 85 percent of blood needs.
Mr. Kumar Sasi Nair, the secretary of the Indian Association of Uganda, said that a total of 82 blood donation drives were organised, and they not only met their target of collecting 11,000 units but also exceeded it by a remarkable record-breaking collection of 15,253 units.
The drives were throughout Uganda, including Arua, Hoima, Mukono, Jinja, Tororo, Gulu, Kapeka and also several drives were organized at corporates.
Mr. Jatin Udani, an Executive Committee member and in charge of the Medical Forum, said a remarkable donation is a game-changer for Uganda’s supply.
“ It will save countless lives” he remarked
He said a month-long mega blood donation drive has ended and was to commemorate 78 years of India’s Independence Day.
Mr Upender Sigh Rawat, the Indian High Commissioner, said they have a good relationship with Uganda and will continue supporting it in various sectors. We have a good political, economic and social relationship with Uganda.
He also stressed the need for continuous /increased sensitization and mobilization to boost blood donation among Ugandans.