by Rene V. Carbayas
ISABELA CITY, Basilan, July 17 (PIA) – The Isabela
City Blood Mobile Team in Basilan composed of the Department of Health
Representative, the Isabela City Health Office, and the Philippine Red Cross
Basilan Chapter has called on the public to become regular blood donors to save
lives.
In a radio interview at PIA’s radio program
over DXNO-FM Radyo Komunidad de Isabela City, DOH-Rep Blood Service Program
Coordinator Oliver Divinagracia said that the World Blood Month celebration in
July is observed in recognition of the unwavering support of those who are
regular blood donors.
“They are considered as modern day heroes
because of the numerous lives that they have saved for sharing their blood,”
Divinagracia said, stressing that they are considered as one of the healthiest
people because their blood undergo several tests to determine its health.
“We honor them [blood donors] for their
heroic act,” he said.
City Blood Service Program Coordinator and
current Chairman of the local Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Bernardita Hontucan
disclosed that the Chapter so far has only a blood collecting unit. She said
the “blood bank”, which is referred to the refrigerator that stores blood
collected unfortunately broke down due to the fluctuating electricity that
Basilan is experiencing for several days now and it has been three months since
the fridge was brought to Zamboanga City for repair.
“In spite of this, however, we continue to do
bloodletting activities in different areas and we deposit them at the Basilan
General Hospital,” Hontucan said. She added that the mobile city blood team
conducts advocacy first before any bloodletting activities are held.
She reveals that the mobile was able to
collect only some 297 blood units with 400 cc each bag last 2011. Hontucan said
that half of it was given to the Basilan General Hospital (BGH) and the other
is for the PRC but still being disposed at the BGH.
She noted that blood samples collected from
donors are sent to Zamboanga for blood testing to ensure that the blood is safe
and healthy.
Hontucan admitted that the blood collected
for the past year is not enough that is why they are intensifying their
campaign to encourage more and more people to donate blood in Basilan.
DOH-Rep for Isabela City Dr. Paysal Kasim
said that human blood for transfusion is the only form of treatment that cannot
be manufactured. It is only possible if blood from kindhearted people is
available.
Potential blood donors must meet the
following basic requirements: at least 110 lbs (50 kgs), pulse rate between 60
and 100 beats/minute with regular rhythm, blood pressure between 90 and160
systolic and 60 and 100 diastolic, and with at least 125g/L of hemoglobin level.