The Medical Director and Chief Executive Officer of General Hospital Badagry, Dr. Oluseyi Adesola, has called on residents of Badagry and neighbouring communities to embrace voluntary blood donation to help meet the growing demand for lifesaving blood in medical emergencies.
Eko Hot News reports that the appeal was made during a blood donation drive organised by the hospital in partnership with the Lagos Blood Donation Drive Initiative and supervised by the Lagos State Blood Transfusion Service.
Dr. Adesola stressed the importance of regular blood donation, noting that blood cannot be manufactured or purchased as a commodity. He explained that it can only be obtained through voluntary donations from healthy individuals.
According to him, donated blood plays a critical role in supporting patients facing various medical conditions that require urgent transfusions. He urged more residents to support the initiative and help save lives.
The medical director also clarified that payments sometimes associated with blood transfusion services are not for the blood itself. He explained that such charges cover the screening and safety procedures required before blood can be used for patients.
Dr. Adesola expressed satisfaction with the blood donation exercise and encouraged its continuation. He described voluntary blood donation as a sustainable way of ensuring a steady supply of blood for those in need.
He added that community participation remains essential to maintaining adequate blood reserves. According to him, a strong culture of donation benefits both healthcare facilities and patients.
Representing the Executive Chairman of Olorunda Local Council Development Area, the Supervisor for Health, Mr. John Gandonu, commended residents for their turnout at the exercise.
Gandonu urged more members of the public to show concern for the wellbeing of others by participating in future donation drives. He noted that such acts of kindness contribute to the overall welfare of society.
Also speaking at the event, the Head of Health Education Department of the Lagos State Blood Transfusion Service, Mrs. Tope Balogun, praised the voluntary donors for responding positively to the initiative.
Balogun noted that the demand for blood across Lagos State remains significantly higher than available supplies. She stressed the need for more regular donors to help bridge the gap.
She further explained that blood donation offers health benefits to donors while strengthening community preparedness for emergencies and healthcare needs.
The health educator outlined the procedures involved in the donation process. These included registration, medical screening, blood collection, observation, and post-donation counselling for first-time participants.
She noted that the exercise was conducted professionally with support from members of the hospital’s laboratory department, ensuring the safety of both donors and recipients.
The Coordinator of Lagos Blood Donation Drive 2.0, Mr. Joseph Hunye, thanked the management of General Hospital Badagry and the Lagos State Blood Transfusion Service for their collaboration and support.
Hunye expressed appreciation to the volunteers who participated despite challenging weather conditions. He described the response as encouraging and a reflection of community spirit.
According to him, more than 120 donors were screened and found eligible to participate in the donation exercise. He noted that the outcome would significantly contribute to the facility’s blood reserve.
He added that appreciation packages were presented to all donors in recognition of their generosity and commitment to supporting healthcare services.
Stakeholders at the event agreed that sustained awareness campaigns and community engagement are necessary to increase voluntary blood donation across Lagos State.
The exercise reaffirmed the importance of collective responsibility in supporting healthcare delivery and ensuring that lifesaving blood remains available for patients whenever the need arises.
