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A blood donation drive for the staff of the Ministry of Health has been officially launched.
The aim is to encourage them to donate more blood on a regular basis as long as they meet the criteria and also to build up a constant pool of new donors among those workers.
The campaign was launched yesterday by the Minister for Health Mitcy Larue at the ministry’s Blood Donation Centre at Mont Fleuri.
The donor staff were recognised with certificates and hampers and those who have donated the highest number of blood pints received shields from the patron of Nars (Nurses Association of the Republic of Seychelles).
Jude Lagrenade, an ambulance driver from the Anse Royale Hospital, was the longest standing blood donor, having donated 25 pints during the past years. Brian Morel, a clinical laboratory technician, has donated 24 pints. Brian also gave a testimony on how it is important to give blood.
“One pint of blood can save three lives. Give blood. Save life” indicated a poster at the event.
A team of local health association, the Seychelles Biomedical Science Association (SBSA), the Seychelles Red Cross Federation, the Seychelles Medical and Dental Association (SMDA), coordinated by Nars, organised the event which saw the presence of the minister herself; Macsuzy Mondon, the patron of the Nars; the chief executive of the Health Care Agency Dr Suresh Menon; and other high officials and staff of the ministry including the donors.
The drive forms part of planned activities to commemorate this year’s International Nurses’ Day which is being celebrated under the theme: ‘Nurses: A force for change. Improving the health systems’ resilience’.
Recognising the men and women who have donated their blood freely, Minister Larue said nationally there exist of a pool of voluntary blood donors and among them are health staff.
“As carers themselves, there is a small group who have extended their caring nature to further save lives by donating blood. It is very fitting with this year’s slogan ‘My health, my responsibility begins at home. Charity begins at home’, she said.
She mentioned the World Health Organisation’s goal for all countries to obtain all their blood supplies from voluntary unpaid donors by 2020.
“To the team of blood donors present here today, I would like to thank you for replenishing the blood bank on a continuous basis over the years. Your dedication is very much appreciated and has not gone unnoticed. I would request you to remain committed to donating blood,” said the minister, adding that their commitment is recognised by the country at large.
Describing the drive as a humanitarian gesture to further save lives, Nars president Rosie Bistoquet said in Seychelles blood donation is geared towards a person when undergoing an extensive medical or surgical intervention. And though campaigns are ongoing, the overall outcome may not be sufficient to meet the specific needs.
“By recognising the blood donors in the health sector it is a strategy of capacity extension and donor engagement which will ensure that our blood demand would continue to be met in the years to come,” Ms Bistoquet said.
As for SMDA chairperson Dr Kenneth Henriette, he had one main message for his colleagues.
“We are here to make a change. Give the example by donating blood,” he urged.
The drive will be on a trial basis of six months which will be reviewed afterwards based on the outcome.
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Source : Seychelles NATION