The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has called for stronger collaboration with the National Blood Service Agency (NBSA) to improve blood transfusion services and ensure Nigerians have access to safe blood across the country.
The NMA National President, Prof. Afekhinde Ernest Omoti, made the call when he led a delegation of the association on a courtesy visit to the Director-General of the NBSA, Prof. Saleh Yuguda, in Abuja.
Prof. Omoti described blood transfusion as a critical component of modern healthcare, noting that safe blood and blood products are essential to the effective management of patients across virtually all medical specialties.
He said closer collaboration between the NMA and NBSA would help strengthen the nation’s blood service system and improve access to safe blood whenever required.
The NMA president reaffirmed the association’s readiness to support the agency’s efforts to advance blood transfusion services and align Nigeria’s blood service system with global best practices.
Responding, the NBSA Director-General, Prof. Saleh Yuguda, welcomed the NMA delegation and commended the association for seeking stronger ties with the agency.
Prof. Yuguda stressed the strategic role of blood services in the healthcare system, saying sustainable improvements in blood availability, safety and accessibility require strong partnerships among stakeholders.
He also briefed the delegation on the agency’s mandate and ongoing initiatives aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s blood service architecture.
A major focus of the meeting was the ongoing review of the National Blood Policy, first published in 2005.
The Director-General said the review had reached an advanced stage, with the revised document circulated to key stakeholders for input ahead of final approval.
The two institutions also discussed areas of collaboration, including the promotion of voluntary blood donation and measures to improve transfusion safety nationwide.
The engagement underscored the commitment of the NMA and NBSA to building a safer, more reliable and accessible blood transfusion system for Nigerians.