"Donating Blood Saves Lives" – FMC Epe MD Dr. Adesola Adeleke

FMC Epe is hosting a blood donor awareness week from June 12 to 18, 2025, to honor voluntary donors and encourage more participation.
Dr. Adesola Adeleke Kaka assures the public that blood is not sold at FMC; only a ₦10,000 screening fee is charged to ensure safety.
The hospital urges residents to embrace health insurance schemes and blood donation as part of community health responsibility.

As the world marks World Blood Donor Day on June 14, the Medical Director of Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Epe, Dr. Adesola Adeleke Kaka, has called on members of the public to embrace voluntary blood donation, describing it as a life-saving act that supports critical healthcare services.

Ekohotblog reports that speaking during an exclusive interview ahead of FMC Epe’s blood donor awareness week scheduled for June 12 to 18, 2025, Dr. Kaka emphasized the importance of recognizing and celebrating voluntary donors while also sensitizing the public about the need for regular donations.

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“Every year, we commemorate our blood donors, people who selflessly give their blood without expecting anything in return, just to save humanity,” he said. “Here in FMC Epe, we’ve planned a week-long event to appreciate our regular donors and to encourage more people within the community to join this noble act.”

Dr. Kaka highlighted that blood donations are vital in managing maternity complications, childhood illnesses, accident victims, and trauma patients.

“Having a steady supply of safe blood is essential for our hospital to function effectively, especially for maternity patients and those with serious medical conditions,” he explained.

Addressing a common misconception, Dr. Kaka clarified that blood is not sold at the facility, stressing that any fee requested from patients is only for screening purposes.

“People often think hospitals sell blood, but that’s not true. What patients pay for is the screening, to test the blood for infections like HIV and hepatitis. This screening costs ₦10,000, which is even cheaper than what’s charged in most other hospitals,” he said.

He also praised the efforts of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Epe Chapter, noting that they have played a major role in public enlightenment and have been part of the hospital’s Blood Transfusion Committee.

“They help us monitor and track every unit of blood used. Their support started even before our administration and has continued. We’re grateful for their cooperation and community engagement,” he noted.

Speaking on donor eligibility, Dr. Kaka encouraged residents between the ages of 18 and 60 to consider donating blood, noting that the process is quick and medically beneficial.

“You can donate up to four times a year depending on your blood level. It’s not about body size; it’s about being medically fit.

The process takes just 15 to 20 minutes and comes with health benefits like activating your bone marrow and reducing the risk of blood clots,” he said.

He also emphasized that FMC still operates with the same tariff system inherited from the former General Hospital, making it an affordable option for quality healthcare.

“Our services are affordable, and we encourage people to take advantage of them. FMC is far more accessible than most private hospitals,” he said.

Dr. Kaka further encouraged residents to enroll in health insurance schemes, explaining that these plans can provide significant relief for low-income families.

“There are many insurance options that cost less than one emergency hospital bill. I also want to appeal to philanthropists in our community to support vulnerable residents by helping them subscribe to these schemes. It’s a more sustainable form of help,” he added.