“It will be the first centre in the province that will coordinate with three blood banks and other centres in Peshawar. Blood will be sent for screening to the transfusion centre to ensure that safe blood is provided to patients,” said the provincial project director for safe blood transfusion, Dr Muhammad Tahir Khan.
The total budget for the centre is Rs190 million, out of which 60% is being provided by KFW while the rest will be covered by the provincial government. The building will be constructed over 1,815 sq yards.
The not-for-profit centre will be run by the government and will employ around 50 people. Construction work is expected to start by late December and take up to a year, said Dr Khan, adding that the project has already been advertised in newspapers.
The existing blood transfusion project is being run from a small ward at HMC since the past two years. There are not sufficient machines, staff or enough space, said Dr Khan.
“With a separate building and facility, we will be able to meet the needs of patients and prevent others from falling ill due to poor quality blood.”
The new centre will have a donors section, a laboratory, blood bank, component segment, radiation, delivery service, and an internal audit department to ensure quality and accountability.
Campaigns will also be initiated in educational institutes to encourage the youth to donate blood. Their blood will be provided free of cost to deserving patients, added Dr Khan.
A media campaign will also be carried out to mobilise potential donors to provide blood for patients suffering from thalassemia, hemophilia, or those injured in terrorist acts.
Published in The Express Tribune, December 5th, 2012.
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