Hon. Rudyard Spencer, Minister says the production of the National Guidelines on Best Practice in Blood Transfusion manual marks another milestone in the Ministry of Health’s efforts to maintain a record of safe blood and blood products and their safe and rational use. His remarks was read by Dr. Marion Bullock DuCasse, Director of Emergency Disaster Management and Special Services at the official launch of the manual held at the Ministry’s head office this morning (September 13, 2011).

“In acknowledging the integral role we play in helping the world to achieve universal access to safe blood transfusion, we must implement strategies, like this, as a sign of our commitment to this goal,” said Minister Spencer. He added that the manual which is a guide for medical practitioners is crucial in helping the country to achieve the 2015 Millennium Development Goals of combating HIV/AIDS, reducing child mortality and improving maternal mortality.

According to the Minister there is an urgent need to strengthen the implementation of key strategies to ensure continued access to safe and sufficient blood supply and to achieve 100% voluntary blood donation. “In this regard, a National Blood Policy is now in draft form and is expected to be finalized by the end of the calendar year. We are also working on the Regulations for Governing Blood Service which has been drafted based on various adoptions from countries that have best practice in blood donation such as Canada, New Zealand and Australia,” he said.

The manual titled “Transfusion: Basic Guidelines, Principles and Practice” aims to provide guidance in the practice of transfusion medicine in accordance with good clinical practice. It was produced in collaboration with the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), National Blood Transfusion Service (NBTS), National Public Health Laboratory (NPHL), University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI), Regional Health Authorities and members of the National Advisory Committee on Blood. The document can be accessed on the Ministry’s website at www.moh.gov.jm.

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 Contact: MOH, Public Relations Unit Tel: 967-1561