Health Minister urges public to donate blood

The Minister of Health, Hon. Alex Segbefia has asked members of the public to donate blood to hospitals in order to support efforts aimed at saving lives and containing the health challenges arising from the recent flooding and fire outbreak at a Goil filling station in Accra.

“We appeal to the whole country to donate blood. Anyone, anywhere who can donate blood should go and do so, so that those who have the chance of living with us, can continue living, it is quite important,” he stated.

He made the call during a media briefing at the 37 Military Hospital, when he visited the facility to ascertain for himself the extent of human loss that resulted from the floods of Wednesday night and the fire outbreak at a Goil filling station.

He emphasized government’s commitment to ensure that the situation was brought under control, adding that the government is working hard to ensure that life returns to normalcy.

He also warned about the possibility of a cholera outbreak and warned members of the public to take precautions in order not to compound the already fragile situation.

The Minister went on to laud the medical personnel for their dedication and hard work in doing their best under immense pressure. He further applauded the security agencies for also maintaining law and order.

Meanwhile, reports from the 37 Military Hospital morgue indicate that there have been 78 bodies deposited there. There are also scores of family members at the morgue to identify their relatives.

It would be noted that most blood banks in the country have always been clamouring for members of the public to help replenish their depleting stocks.

Over at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, the Public Relations Officer, Mustapha Salifu; confirmed that 14 cases were brought to the hospital.

"One person was brought in dead, another died sometime this morning whiles 12 others are being helped," adding that the hospital has had several other cases it is currently dealing with.