A first-of-its-kind SmartBank blood collection point has been launched at Nairobi’s Mama Lucy Kibaki hospital to help increase blood collection in the country. The centre will leverage on the use of technology in blood collection in a bid to bridge the blood supply gap in Kenya by providing a low-cost and innovative solution to blood challenges in hospitals and other healthcare facilities. The system operationalized by the Nairobi Metropolitan Services (NMS) in collaboration with Lifebank and the Kenya National Blood Transfusion Services (KNBTS) will serve more than 2.1 million residents depending at Mama Lucy Hospital for healthcare services. The facility will be the second public blood collection facility in Kenya apart from the Blood Transfusion Unit at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH). “Having steady, reliable blood supply is key to saving lives as blood transfusion is a key component in healthcare saving lives of millions every year.

Source: Daily Nation May 13, 2021 11:15 UTC