Rukungiri Runs Out Of Blood As Demand Increases In Facilities

Posted by: Eninu William in Uganda news January 22, 2024

The Rukungiri District blood bank manager Emmanuel Mugarura has revealed a shortage of blood in the area. This is despite the increasing need in the health facilities. Mugarura says when there is a shortage of blood, hospitals face a big challenge in dealing with expectant mothers and malaria patients who may need blood transfusions. This has forced them to organize roadside blood donation and collection campaigns.

“We need about 1,000 units of blood to support our health facilities for at least two weeks. This is as we wait for the re-opening of learning institutions since learners are our main source of blood,’’ he said.

The Kisiizi Hospital Administrator in Rukungiri District, Moses Mugume told reporters that they are currently stranded on how to deal with patients. This is especially those that need blood transfusion since they do not have blood at the facility.

“We are getting blood from Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital, which is too expensive in terms of transportation. I only appeal to the general public to support the blood donation campaign so that they can save lives because the situation is not good here,’’ he added.

Nyakibale Hospital administrator Andrew Okoch said they are postponing operations at the facility because of a blood shortage.

“The district’s blood bank is within our facility but surprisingly, we also do not have blood. At times we are forced to postpone some operations because of blood,’’ he said.

He added “the Uganda blood transfusion services normally collects blood from schools. Apparently, they are not operating. So, we shall keep on struggling till they open for the first term which is two weeks ahead,’’

In an attempt to sort out the blood shortage crisis in the district, the Lions Club of Rukungiri on Sunday joined Uganda blood transfusion services at Rukungiri branch to organize a two-day roadside blood collection campaign.

A total of over 150 units of blood were collected throughout the two-day roadside blood collection campaign. This will be shared among the two hospitals, Five Health Center IVs and 12 Health Center IIIs in the district.

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