The newly donated blood bank equipment by the Rotary Club of Tortola is expected to save the BVI Health Services Authority (BVIHSA) and residents of the territory thousands of dollars.
The new equipment was officially handed over to the BVIHSA during a ceremony held recently to commemorate the highly significant donation.
Speaking on the significance of the initiative was Acting Chief Executive Officer of the BVIHSA Dr. June Samuel who said the procurement of the equipment is necessary since the BVIHSA over the past five years has spent close to $900,000 outsourcing blood.
Minister for Health Hon. Vincent Wheatley said the blood bank will prove pivotal to the territory and thanked the Rotary Club for its very important and generous donation.
President of the Rotary Club of Tortola Valeria Georges-Thomas labeled the day a great one for Rotarians in the BVI as the initiative is one that will save many lives in the future.
She also revealed that the blood bank project was sparked by former Deputy Premier Dr. Kedrick Pickering who highlighted the blood bank issue in the BVI during an April 2022 speech.
With the Dr. D Orlando Smith Hospital now in receipt of this equipment, President Georges-Thomas said it is in possession of a 21st-century blood bank.
The president said the next step is to educate and raise awareness on the importance of residents donating blood to the blood bank.