Fiji’s blood bank supply depends heavily on public donations and Health Minister Dr Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu is calling on eligible Fijians, especially universal donors, to step forward when shortages arise.
Speaking during the launch of the Family Planning and Commitment Policy in Suva yesterday, Dr Lalabalavu stressed the importance of timely donations due to blood’s limited shelf life.
“So, we have a blood bank and as such, if there is a shortage of blood, then we go for blood drive,” he said.
“As we speak, blood has a lifespan in terms of storage. And if the ministry is needed to go for blood drive based on the capacity, then we will support that.”
He urged the public to support donation drives.
“We ask the general public to come in, especially for the universal blood donors.”
