- FMC Epe launches its 2026 Blood Donation Week themed “One Drop of Humanity: Give Blood, Save Life.”
- Residents urged to donate blood voluntarily to support emergency and medical care.
- Medical experts highlight both the life-saving importance and health benefits of blood donation.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Epe, has commenced its 2026 Blood Donation Week with a renewed call on residents of Epe Division and neighbouring communities to embrace voluntary blood donation as a vital humanitarian service capable of saving lives.
The week-long programme, which began on Monday, June 22, 2026, and will run until Friday, June 26, is themed “One Drop of Humanity: Give Blood, Save Life.”
Speaking during the flag-off ceremony, the Head of Clinical Services at FMC Epe, Dr. (Mrs.) Babatunde, described blood donation as an essential component of healthcare delivery, noting that hospitals rely heavily on voluntary donors to maintain adequate blood supplies for emergencies and medical procedures.
According to her, donated blood remains critical for the treatment of accident victims, surgical patients, expectant mothers facing complications during childbirth, and individuals suffering from various medical conditions that require blood transfusion.
She explained that blood cannot be manufactured artificially, making voluntary donation the only reliable source for replenishing blood banks and ensuring that patients in need receive timely medical intervention.
Dr. Babatunde emphasized that the annual exercise was introduced to encourage healthy individuals to donate blood regularly and help bridge the gap between blood demand and availability within the healthcare system.
She further assured prospective donors that all donated blood undergoes rigorous screening and safety procedures before use, while donors are also medically assessed to determine their suitability for donation.
The medical expert clarified that FMC Epe does not sell blood to patients, explaining that charges associated with blood transfusion are strictly for laboratory procedures such as compatibility testing and cross-matching to ensure patient safety.
She encouraged members of the public to take advantage of the ongoing exercise, stressing that a single unit of donated blood can make the difference between life and death for a patient in critical condition.
Also speaking, the Head of the Laboratory Department, Mr. Oname Festus, and the Head of the Medical Social Welfare Services Department, Mr. Ayanbisi Rafiu Lola, highlighted some of the health benefits associated with regular blood donation.
According to them, voluntary blood donation can contribute to overall well-being by stimulating the production of new blood cells and supporting healthy blood circulation.
They noted that beyond its medical benefits, blood donation remains one of the most selfless acts of service to humanity, as donors may never know whose life their contribution will ultimately save.
The event witnessed participation from members of staff and other voluntary donors, many of whom visited the hospital’s laboratory unit to donate blood in support of the campaign.
As the exercise continues throughout the week, the management of FMC Epe has appealed to residents, corporate organizations, religious bodies, community groups, and well-meaning individuals to join the initiative and contribute to building a sustainable blood reserve capable of meeting emergency healthcare needs.
The centre reiterated that voluntary blood donation remains a simple but powerful way to save lives and strengthen healthcare delivery within Epe Division and beyond.
