Members of Parliament (MPs) have urged the Ministry of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development to provide a supplementary request of Shs10 billion to the National Drug Authority (NDA) to support the Uganda Blood Transfusion Services in conducting blood donation activities.
The call came during a plenary sitting on Tuesday, February 13th, 2024, following a plea from Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa for MPs to participate in blood donation drives.
Tayebwa highlighted the urgent need for blood donations due to a significant shortage in the country, urging MPs to join in the effort. He proposed organizing a blood donation week in Parliament to facilitate MP participation.
In response, Hon. Sarah Opendi of Tororo District emphasized the need to provide funding for NDA to acquire essential reagents and storage facilities. She noted that the Uganda Blood Transfusion Services is facing a shortfall of Shs10 billion, with a previous supplementary request still pending approval.
Without adequate equipment for blood preservation and storage, Opendi warned that blood donation drives would not be as effective.
Rukia Nakadama, the Third Deputy Prime Minister and Minister without Portfolio, pledged to follow up with the finance ministry to ensure that funds are allocated to NDA.
Meanwhile, Hon. Samuel Opio of Kole North County urged MPs to prioritize funding for the Nakasero Blood Bank in ongoing considerations of Ministerial Policy Statements. Opio highlighted the significant gap between the annual blood requirement of 450,000 units and the current collection of 350,000 units, stressing the need for additional resources to address staffing and transportation challenges.
Echoing these sentiments, Hon. Judith Achan of Nwoya District emphasized the importance of ensuring that all hospitals are adequately equipped with blood storage facilities to meet the demand effectively.