The government will pay ksh 500 000 in international licenses to run a blood donation software Kenya National Blood Transfusion Services will spend a half a million every month in International licenses to run a blood donation software.
The Blood Establishment Computer System(BECS) an online software, will be used for easier tracking of donors and receivers which will in turn enable the KNBTS to prevent blood wastage.
The software, which was launched in Nakuru on Monday during celebrations to mark the World Blood Donors Day at Nyayo gardens, is already running in Mombasa and will be launched in 20 other counties.
KNBTS National Director Margaret Odour said that this will be able to match blood donors especially when there is a crisis. “We currently rely on manual blood tracing and this software will enhance timely blood mobilization in case there is an emergency, “said Odour
She pointed out that the software would help in storing donor information which include if blood is infected, how many times one has donated and eligibility for donation.
“In case a problem is found a donor will be called and advice on what medical steps to take,” she cited. Odour pointed out that although the country had obtained 100 percentvoluntary blood donation, the blood could only meet 50 percent of the national blood demand.
"Sometimes hospitals are forced to rely on relatives for transfusion. Currently we have 2500 pints of blood in our bank and yet it’s not enough,” she cited
Ms Odour pointed out that sometimes blood got from relatives is not well screened as the blood screening process, which should take seven hours, is often done hastily in order to save lives.
Health Cabinet Secretary James Macharia said that the country needs 400 000 units of blood annually. “KNBTS collected 189 units of blood in 2014. Yet, in every ten minutes seven Kenyans need blood and are at a risk of dying if it’s not available,” said Macharia in a speech read on his behalf by Isaac Odongo.