FG Establishes National Blood Service Commission

FEDERAL Government has established National Blood Service Commission (NBSC) to coordinate, regulate, and ensure safe blood transfusion in the country.

According a statement on Saturday by the NBSC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Abdullahi Haruna, the commission has replaced National Blood Transfusion Service (NBTS).

The NBTS was formerly a unit under the Department of Hospital Services in the Federal Ministry of Health.

Haruna stated that according to provisions of the Act that established the commission, the NBTS National Coordinator, Dr. Omale Joseph-Amedu, would serve as the Acting Director-General.

He said, “The commission has the statutory mandate to coordinate, regulate and ensure the provision of safe, quality blood transfusion services on a country-wide basis within the national health plan.

“Therefore, the commission is legally mandated to ensure proper compliance with the National Blood Service Guidelines and standards.

“It will also maintain a system of quality assurance at all levels of service, encourage research in all aspects of blood transfusion services and promote the rational use of blood, blood products and alternatives to blood where appropriate.

“The commission which takes effect immediately as National Blood Service Commission (NBSC) has communicated that its new name and status more aptly reflects the mandate of ensuring the availability of safe, quality and adequate blood services to all Nigerians.