The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) achieved a remarkable 100% passing rate in the 2022 External Quality Assessment Scheme (EQAS), conducted by the Transfusion Transmissible Infections-National Reference Laboratory (TTI-NRL) of the Research Institute of Tropical Medicine (RITM). This outstanding accomplishment underscores the PRC’s commitment to provide the highest quality blood and blood products to the communities it serves.
An EQAS evaluates participating laboratories based on the integrity of the entire sample testing process, ensuring accuracy and reliability of results. The PRC’s 30 Blood Centers have each been awarded Certificates of Proficiency, attesting to their exceptional performance and adherence to quality standards.
PRC Chairman Richard J. Gordon congratulated the PRC staff and volunteers at the blood centers, stating, “We are immensely proud of our 30 Blood Centers for their exemplary achievement in the 2022 EQAS evaluation. This accomplishment reinforces our dedication to delivering the best possible care to our blood recipients.”
PRC Secretary General Dr. Gwendolyn Pang also commended the achievement, saying, “The 100% passing rate in the EQAS is a testament to the hard work and commitment of our staff. It highlights the rigorous standards we uphold in providing safe and reliable blood transfusion services. Congratulations to all involved.”
The Philippine Red Cross remains steadfast in its commitment to maintain the highest standards in laboratory testing. By consistently observing best practices, the PRC ensures the safety and well-being of those who depend on their services.
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The stringent Covid-19 lockdown rules halted blood donation activities, precipitating a blood shortage for medical transfusions in the country. On 25 November, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC), in partnership with the Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA), conducted a bloodletting activity in LRT-2 Araneta–Center Cubao Station from 8:00 AM until 5:00 PM to help replenish the blood reserves in the country. The activity generated a total of 21 blood units.
“Nagpapasalamat ako sa LRTA sa patuloy nilang pakikipagtulungan sa amin. Ang ganitong blood donation activity ay mahalaga dahil ang pangangailangan ng ating mga kababayan sa dugo ay hindi kailanman matatapos. The blood units collected in this activity will surely reach and help many of our kababayans in vulnerable situations,” PRC Chairman and CEO Richard J. Gordon said.
A unit of blood can save the lives of multiple people. According to PRC Blood Services, red cells, platelets, and plasma are among the transfusable components that can be derived from donated blood. Patients may receive a pint of whole blood or only the specific components of the blood that are required to treat their particular condition.
The PRC has 31 blood centers and 73 blood-collecting units nationwide. From January 1 to October 31, 2022, PRC National Blood Services served 203, 645 patients and collected 392, 391 blood units from 336, 587 donors.
Holiday seasons are known to be lean periods for blood donations, but the Philippine Red Cross is committed to saving lives by conducting blood donation drives anytime. For blood donations, blood requests, and other inquiries, email the PRC National Blood Services at [email protected] or contact the PRC Blood Call Center, which may be reached nationwide by dialing 143.
Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Chairman and CEO Richard J. Gordon underscored the need for enough blood supply as the premier humanitarian organization responded to people in need of emergency medical care in earthquake-hit Abra. The PRC sufficiently met the blood supply needs of casualties immediately after the impact of the 7.0 magnitude earthquake that hit Northern Luzon on July 27.
Chairman Gordon said that the foremost humanitarian organization in the country has enough blood supply for the needs of Abra, Ilocos Sur, and other areas affected by the quake. He added that Abra and Ilocos are major suppliers of blood. Chairman Gordon also assured the public that, “The PRC’s 102 blood service facilities nationwide are ready to assist in case of need.”
PRC reminded those who wish to donate blood of the qualifications: (1) Must be 16 to 65 years old, (2) Those who are 16 to 17 years old must have a written consent from a parent or guardian, (3) Must weigh at least 50 kilograms or 110 pounds, (4) Must have at least 5 hours of sleep the night before, (5) Must have no alcohol intake in the last 24 hours, and (6) Must have eaten before donating but without fatty food intake.
Female donors who have their monthly period may still donate blood, provided they pass the standard screening. A qualified person may donate blood every three months.
To request blood from the PRC, a hospital or doctor’s request must be presented. The PRC also delivers blood to decrease the transport expenses of those in need; they must send the blood request through Viber and submit the original to the person delivering the blood.
For blood donations, blood requests, and other inquiries, email the PRC National Blood Services at [email protected] or contact the PRC Blood Call Center, which may be reached nationwide by dialing 143.
The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) strengthened its blood donation campaign as dengue cases rise in the country.
The Department of Health (DOH) reported over 60,000 dengue cases from January 1 to June 25, 2022, which is 90% higher compared to over 30,000 cases during the same period in 2021. Some dengue cases warrant blood transfusion.
With the increased demand for blood transfusions, the PRC maintains its blood supply by continuing to accept walk-in blood donors in its 102 facilities nationwide. Aside from the blood donation in its facilities, the PRC establishes more strategic partnerships with public and private companies to conduct its Mobile Blood Donation (MBD), which aims to make blood donations more accessible to communities across the country.
As of July 13, the PRC has dispensed 2,267 blood units to 774 dengue patients.
“Sa dumadaming kaso ng dengue sa ating bansa, tinitiyak natin na laging sapat ang suplay ng dugo sa Red Cross para sa mga kababayan natin na nangangailangan nito,” PRC Chairman and CEO Richard Gordon said.
Chairman Gordon encouraged healthy individuals to donate blood regularly through its 102 facilities nationwide to save the lives of dengue patients.
For blood donation, blood requests, and other inquiries, email the PRC NBS at [email protected] or contact the PRC Blood Call Center which may be reached nationwide by dialing 143.
From January 1 to June 26, 2022, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Blood Services served 110,215 patients. It collected 166,266 blood units from 155,997 donors and dispensed 191,696 blood units for the same period.
Dr. Monina Nalupta, Director of PRC’s Blood Services, stressed that donating blood is lifesaving. In an interview with CNN Philippines, Dr. Nalupta noted that there has been an increase in the number of blood donors this year, compared to 2020, when the humanitarian organization saw a 29% fall in blood units donated due to the COVID-19 mobility restrictions.
On the recipient side, mothers who recently delivered babies and are experiencing postpartum hemorrhage comprised 20% of the patients served.
Through the leadership of its Chairman and CEO, Senator Richard J. Gordon, the PRC now has 100 blood service facilities nationwide, making it one of the leading providers of blood and blood products in the country. The PRC continually promotes voluntary non-remunerated blood donations to maintain an adequate supply. “Napakahalaga para sa kahandaan ng ating bansa sa anumang insidente na tayo ay may sapat na suplay ng dugo,” Chairman Gordon said.
For blood donations, blood requests, and other inquiries, email the PRC National Blood Services at [email protected] or contact the PRC Blood Call Center, which may be reached nationwide by dialing 143.
The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) welcomed delegates from the Saudi Red Crescent Authority (SRCA) on May 25-26, 2022.
Present during the event were Engr. Saad Mohammed Al Qahtani, SRCA Vice President for Shared Services and Head of Delegation, and SCRA delegates, Dr. Mohammed Al Swaiah, Director of Academic Affairs and Training, Mshael Al Yahya, VP Office Manager, and Abdulaziz Al Otaibi, International Relations and Partnerships Manager. They were welcomed by PRC Chairman and CEO Richard Gordon and PRC Secretary General Elizabeth Zavalla.
PRC Managers shared with the delegates the different PRC services and best practices as possible areas of partnership. The delegates also visited the PRC Operations Center which serves as the nerve center of the organization that commands, controls, and delivers information.
“We are grateful that SCRA delegates are here with us to discuss partnership possibilities with the PRC. We are one in achieving our vision to alleviate human suffering and uplift the dignity of the most vulnerable,” Chairman Gordon said.
The delegates also explored areas of partnership in the National Blood Center, Molecular Laboratory, Hemodialysis Center, and Emergency Response Unit at Port Area, Manila and the PRC Manila Chapter in Intramuros.
The two-day visit aimed at establishing strategic partnerships in areas of mutual concern to both societies.
