Aklan guv eyes setting up blood bank in provincial hospital

BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

The provincial government of Aklan is fastracking the establishment of a blood bank facility to ensure ready, safe and sufficient supply of blood at all times here.

Aklan Governor Florencio Miraflores said the blood bank facility is inside the government-run Dr. Rafael S. Tumbokon Memorial Hospital (DRSTMH) to assure blood quality and safety.

“Instead of waiting for the Philippine National Red Cross to put up a blood bank, the provincial government is investing around P15 million for the facility the soonest time possible,” the governor said.

DRSTMH is a PhilHealth accredited hospital located in the heart of Barangay Poblacion in Kalibo, Aklan. 

Miraflores said he is working closely with Chief of Hospital II Dr. Paul Macahilas in the setting up of the provincial government-established blood bank.

The blood bank will further address the insufficient volume of blood for patients receiving treatments at the hospitals in Aklan. Those who need of blood in times of emergencies and tragedies also will no longer have to travel to Roxas City and Iloilo City, the governor added. 

Meanwhile, the Department of Health is seriously urging the people to voluntarily donate blood after the abolition of private blood banks in the country.  

To address the shortage of blood, the Philippine National Red Cross-Aklan and civic organizations had augmented the blood supply in the province with blood-letting activities to promote voluntary blood donation in Aklan.