The Lagos State Government has taken decisive action by sealing off a private hospital in Ago-Okota, Oshodi-Isolo Local Government, for engaging in the dangerous practice of collecting and transfusing unscreened and unlabelled blood to unsuspecting patients.
This alarming discovery was made by the Lagos State Blood Transfusion Service (LSBTS) in collaboration with the state Health Facilities Monitoring and Accreditation Agency (HEFAMAA).
Following a tip-off from a concerned citizen, the enforcement teams of LSBTS and HEFAMAA conducted a joint monitoring exercise in the area.
Their investigations confirmed the unwholesome and unethical medical practices of the hospital management, which posed significant risks to the lives of patients.
The facility was shut down for contravening the blood transfusion service law and engaging in unethical and unprofessional medical practices.
According to Dr. Bodunrin Osikomaiya, Executive Secretary of LSBTS, the law mandates that blood transfusions can only be performed if the blood has been thoroughly screened, tested, and labelled by the state blood transfusion committee.
The blood must also be found negative for all transmissible diseases, including HIV I and II, Hepatitis B and C, Syphilis, and any other relevant diseases as determined by LSBTS.
The hospital management is now under investigation, and those found responsible for these dangerous practices will be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
LSBTS has intensified its efforts to combat unethical blood transfusion practices and ensure the safety of patients in Lagos State.
Dr. Osikomaiya urged citizens to actively support the fight against unwholesome blood transfusion services by reporting any infractions and unethical practices they come across.
She also called on health workers and stakeholders involved in the blood transfusion chain to strictly adhere to WHO regulations and the state Blood Transfusion laws to guarantee the safety of all citizens.
Article updated 2 months ago. Content is written and modified by multiple authors.
