To ensure the safe storage and preservation of life-saving blood products at the local level, the Department of Health (DOH)-Center for Health Development Ilocos distributed 10 sets of blood bank refrigerators to health facilities in the Province of Ilocos Sur during a turn-over ceremony held at the Provincial Farmers Livelihood Development Center on March 8, 2024.
Dr. Rosario Pamintuan, OIC – Local Health Systems Division, who led the turn-over of equipment, said that the equipment will be used to maintain the integrity and quality of blood and blood components that are used for transfusions and medical treatments.
“Blood and blood components must be stored at temperatures ranging from 2°C to 6°C to preserve their integrity, having shelf lives of 35 days” she explained.
She added that health facilities at the local level must have an efficient and sustainable blood program to ensure the sufficient and equitable supply to effectively manage and sustain the needs of patients.
Among the recipients were the district hospitals of Magsingal, Narvacan, Sinait, Sta. Lucia, Salcedo and the Ilocos Sur Provincial Hospital – Gabriela Silang.
The funding of ₱2,055,555 million worth for the equipment came from the 2023 General Appropriations Act.
Regional Director Paula Paz Sydiongco encouraged the recipient district hospitals to have a regular maintenance check to ensure that the refrigerators will function efficiently to safeguard the potency and quality of blood components.
“Mahalaga na bigyan natin ng halaga at pangalagaan ang mga kagamitan na bigay ng ating pamahalaan upang tayo ay maayos na makagbigay ng serbisyo sa ating mga pasyente,” she reminded.
The medical equipment was received by Ilocos Sur Government led by Governor Jeremias Singson. NLMonitor
