The Blood Bank of the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital Bauchi has denied claims that it is selling blood to patients in need of transfusion.
A medical laboratory scientist at the Blood Bank, Kaka Madu, disclosed this in an interview with LEADERSHIP.
He said the Blood Bank Section only received donations from willing individuals which is reserved for emergency purposes.
Madu said any charges patients seeking blood from the section paid to the hospital were for materials, transfusion, and laboratory screening.
He reassured those afraid to donate blood that their entire blood would not be drained, as a test is conducted before donation to ensure the individual is fit to donate.
She urged the public to donate blood to save lives.
Similarly, a consultant haematologist, Dr Rufa’i Dachi, said blood donors derive numerous benefits, making it essential for people to donate.
He said some individuals unknowingly carry diseases but through blood donation, they discover and receive medical care and advice.
Madu said frequent blood donors tend to have adequate blood in old age and are less likely to require blood transfusions, describing it as a natural compensation from Almighty God.
He clarified that donating blood to relatives is considered a family replacement and encouraged people to donate voluntarily to save lives.