Its light at the end of the tunnel for residents of Bungoma County and Western region at large after the health department under the County government launched construction of a blood bank building a first of its kind.
Bungoma County health CECM Dr. Antony Walela said currently the nearest blood bank is in Eldoret and Kisumu saying it has been hectic for the hospitals in the County to access blood saying even if donation is done within, it has to be taken there for screening before it is returned.
He said having our own blood bank is a plus to the County saying other neighboring counties will also depend on us to have access to blood for their patients.
Bungoma Referral hospital medical superintendent Dr. David Wanikina said the blood bank will go a long way to help patients especially at the facility saying many deaths have been previously witnessed due to lack of blood citing maternal and motorbike accident casualties.
However he called upon the residents to donate blood at the satellite collection center in the hospital saying it will save lives.
Health Chief Officer Patrick Wandili called upon the contractor to ensure the project is completed in due time saying they have allocated Kenya shilling ten million for the project.
Partners in the project applauded the County government for having thought it wise to set aside money in the budget for the project that will take 28 weeks to be complete.
