FMC Epe Launches Blood Donation Week, Urges Public to Help

FMC Epe launched its Blood Donation Week in line with WHO’s global initiative, urging voluntary blood donations to save lives.
The Blood Donation Committee led public advocacy across hospital departments, educating patients on the benefits and process of blood donation.
Officials clarified that blood is not sold but screened for safety at a subsidized fee, while also encouraging regular donation for personal and public health benefits.

The Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Epe, has commenced its annual Blood Donation Week in line with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Global Blood Donation campaign.

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Ekohotblog reports that the event began on Thursday, June 12, 2025, with the Medical Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Adeleke Adesola Kaka, calling on members of the public to donate blood and help save lives.

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Dr. Kaka emphasized the life-saving impact of blood donation and encouraged healthy individuals to make it a regular commitment.

“Blood donation is a life-saving act. Anyone certified fit can donate up to four times a year. A single pint can be the difference between life and death during emergencies,” he said.

As part of the ongoing campaign, the Blood Donation Committee, led by Dr. Olajide Hassan, on Friday, June 13, 2025, carried out public advocacy within the hospital premises and across several departments, including the General Outpatient Department (GOPD), Laboratory, Medical and Clinical Complex (MCC), Administrative Complex, and various wards.

Dr. Hassan, along with Mr. Rafiu Ayanbisi Lola, Head of the Medical Social Services Department, and Mr. Felix Oyawiri, Acting Head of the Laboratory Department, engaged patients and visitors on the importance of sustaining the hospital’s blood bank.

“We must build a reliable blood bank here at FMC Epe. Accidents, childbirth—especially Cesarean deliveries—and emergency surgeries require blood at short notice,” Dr. Hassan explained.

“Sometimes a patient who wasn’t expected to need blood might end up requiring multiple pints. We need your donation to be ready for such cases,” added Mr. Ayanbisi.

Responding to concerns about the use of donated blood, the team clarified that blood is not sold at the medical centre.

“We don’t sell blood at this centre,” Mr. Oyawiri stated. “What we request is a replacement for the blood used, along with a ₦10,000 fee for screening to ensure safety. This cost is already subsidized by the government, as the full screening cost is ₦13,000.”

When some patients raised issues about having paid for blood, Mr. Oyawiri explained the exceptional circumstances under which payment might occur.

“The only time you’re asked to buy blood is when we don’t have it available at our centre. In such cases, it’s sourced from external health facilities or blood banks, and the cost is theirs—not ours,” he said.

The team also used the opportunity to educate people on the health benefits of regular blood donation.

“Just as a low blood level can be dangerous, excessive blood in the body can also lead to complications such as severe headaches,” Dr. Hassan noted.

“Regular donation can help maintain a healthy balance,” added Mr. Ayanbisi.

The hospital has called on community groups, organizations, families, and individuals to visit the Laboratory Department and donate blood voluntarily.