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 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.
From January 1 to March 21, 2022 alone, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) National Blood Services has served more than 40,000 patients. It collected 36,086 units from 49,033 donors and dispensed 75,496 blood units for the same period.
Just how important is a blood bank to a country? If you or a loved one has ever needed a blood transfusion, you know how important it is. Blood transfusions save lives. According to the World Health Organization, providing safe and adequate blood should be an integral part of every country’s national health care policy and infrastructure.
The PRC’s National Blood Services is a vital part of this infrastructure. It is the PRC’s arm that delivers adequate, safe, and quality blood supply to the most vulnerable.
Through the leadership of its Chairman and CEO, Senator Dick Gordon, the PRC now has 98 blood service facilities nationwide, making it the leading provider of blood and blood products in the country. The PRC continually promotes voluntary non-remunerated blood donations to maintain an adequate supply. “Para maging handa tayo sa anumang insidente, kailangang may sapat tayong suplay ng dugo,” Chairman Gordon said.
