RCTL assesses human resources and equipment were the main factors lack of bloodstock

DILI, 13 june 2023 (TATOLI)– Timor Leste Red Cross (RCTL) observed that human resources and equipment were the main factors in the lack of bloodstock to handle emergency cases at the Guido Valadares National Hospital (NHGV).

General Secretary of RCTL, Luis Pedro said RCTL is standing on a long commitment to working alone side with the minister of health to provide advocacy and share information and convince the Timorese community to come along for blood donation.

“We focus on working to raise awareness and share information about the importance of blood donation. We convince the public about the use of blood to save other people’s lives,” RCTL Secretary General, Luis Pedro told Tatoli at his office, Gresinfor, this Tuesday.

RCTL plays an important role to mobilize, socialize, and educate people to increase knowledge and awareness to take part in blood donation. The blood reserve is very important to respond to patients in critical condition and to those who are in need.

“We understand Timorese people’s lack of conscience on the importance of blood donation, but people’s blood can save other life,’’ He explained

CVTL identified that Timor-Leste lacks human resources and equipment composed of laboratories for blood testing. Therefore, the National Hospital of Guildo Valdares (NHGV) is facing a blood crisis.

Concerning this issue, Luis Pedro said, CVTL has been providing advocacy programs to all government institutions, private companies, universities, and others to participate in blood donation.

RCTL also recommended to the government’s Minister of Health to invest more in human resources, equipment, and the blood donation venue, to host blood donation.

Meanwhile, since 2016, RCTL has been always hosting blood donation programs with over 100.000 populations.

RCTL is expected to collect over 20 blood packs every week. Otherwise, RCTL did not achieve this number due to people’s still lack of knowledge on blood donation.

Luis Pedro also invites all Timorese to participate in blood donation to ensure the blood reserve is sufficient to respond to the emergency cases, because “One blood donation can save other lives’’.

Journalist: José Belarmino De Sá

Editor: Nelia B.