In a decisive move to safeguard public health, the Lagos State Government has closed down a private hospital located in Ago-Okota, Oshodi-Isolo Local Government Area. The hospital had been found guilty of administering unscreened and unlabelled blood to unsuspecting patients.
Dr. Bodunrin Osikomaiya, the Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Blood Transfusion Service (LSBTS), made this announcement through a statement released by Tunbosun Ogunbanwo, Director of Public Affairs at the state Ministry of Health.
This action was taken following a tip-off from a concerned citizen, which prompted investigations by the LSBTS and the state Health Facilities Monitoring and Accreditation Agency (HEFAMAA). Their joint monitoring exercise confirmed the hospital’s unethical and unprofessional medical practices.
The facility was sealed due to its violation of the blood transfusion service law and its endangerment of patients’ lives through improper medical practices. The law mandates that blood transfusions can only be conducted with screened and labelled blood that has been tested by the state blood transfusion committee for various transmissible diseases, including HIV I and II, Hepatitis B and C, and Syphilis.
Details of the blood donors and recipients have been retrieved from the hospital’s management. Patients who received unscreened blood are being traced to determine their clinical health status and ensure their safety. The hospital’s management and any implicated staff will face prosecution in accordance with relevant laws.
The Lagos State Blood Transfusion Service is committed to eradicating unethical blood transfusion practices and urges citizens to report any infractions they witness. Health workers and stakeholders involved in the blood transfusion chain are called upon to strictly adhere to WHO regulations and state Blood Transfusion laws.
As part of its efforts to ensure a safe and wholesome blood transfusion process, the LSBTS will intensify its monitoring of all facilities engaged in blood transfusion, prioritising the safety of all residents in the state.
