PRC BENGUET CHAPTER STRENGTHENS BLOOD DONATION CAMPAIGNE

November 11, 2023 Provincial

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet

In efforts to address the gap between the collected and target blood units, the Philippine Red CrossBenguet Chapter conducted a “Stakeholders Forum” for the 100 percent Voluntary Blood
Donation. The global framework for action to achieve 100 percent voluntary blood donation has been developed jointly by the World Health Organization and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.

The global vision is designed to provide guidance and support to establish effective voluntary blood
donor programs, phase out family/replacement blood donation, and eliminate paid donation.
This is based on the recognition that voluntary nonremunerated blood donors are the foundation of a safe, sustainable blood supply.

Among those in attendance in this consultative forum held on October 26 at Inglay Restaurant included La Trinidad Romeo K. Salda and Bakun Mayor Bill Y. Raymundo, Kibungan Municipal Health Officer Dr. Hydre Nga-ew, Kapangan Councilor Jennely Eves, representatives from Bokod municipality, Department of Public Works and Highways, Benguet State University, Benguet National High School, Cordillera Career Development College, Kings College of the Philippines-Benguet, and San Jose Parish Church.

Chapter Board of Director Atty.Susan Umayat facilitated the discussion where Benguet Chapter Administrator Oscar Paris reported on the 86 percent accomplishment as of September based on one percent target blood units for 2023. One of the highlights was on the recovery cost in processing of blood into various components. Every unit of whole blood is processed into three components namely: Packed Red Blood Cell (PRCB), Fresh Frozen Plasma (FFP), and Platelet Concentrate (PC).

Paris stressed that the Red Cross blood service fee is based on the Department of Health Administrative Order 0045-2015 following Section 8 of the National Blood Services Act of 1994. The order specifically stated that the amount of Php1,800.00, Php1,500.00, and Php1,000 for other components, respectively shall be the maximum service fees by blood service facilities such as the PRC. The fees are used for the cost of reagents used for blood testing specifically for Hepatitis
B and C viruses, Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), malaria parasite, and treponema pallidum hermaglutination test.

Mayor Salda appealed to the PRC to help blood requesting public by giving at least a 50% discount for the blood processing fee, particularly to patients confined in public hospitals in Baguio City and in Benguet. Paris commented that the proposal is a challenge for the BOD to work. Currently,
through the leadership of Governor Melchor Diclas, the Chapter extends free blood service processing fees for the indigent population who have acquired a certificate of indigency from the social work service office of the Benguet General Hospital where the patient is confined.

Paris shared that the Chapter plans to conduct a blood donation drive twice a week targeting at least 96 institutions as partners. Atayok appealed for the full support of the stakeholders to ensure sufficient blood supply. The forum ended with the finalization of the contents of the memorandum of agreement with emphasis on the Red Cross brand service- blood donation campaign. The MOA with a prescription period of three years will be due for signing between the PRC and all the private and public partner organizations and entities. (MAWC with PRCBenguet Chapter)

PIA-Cordillera/Maria Aprila Cruz