The National Blood Service Commission (NBSC) says it is committed to improving efficiency and effectiveness in the regulation of blood services in Nigeria.

The acting Director-General of the commission, Omale Joseph Amedu, expressed this commitment on Saturday in Abuja.

Mr Amedu said that the commission was mandated to give patients access to safe blood and blood products in sufficient quantity.

He added that the commission was seeking new strategies to collect the safest blood possible, through continued evaluation of blood donor recruitment and motivation strategies.

“Over the next nine years, it is envisaged that NBSC will become a more effective and efficient regulator and coordinator of blood services in Nigeria.

“This will ensure that all who are resident in Nigeria have access to safe blood when needed and in an equitably distributed manner.

“Delivering on this vision will rely on a more robust quality management system, robust regulatory frameworks and quality policies.

“It also relies on processes institutionalised in blood establishments across the country,” he said.

The acting DG explained that effective collaboration with relevant stakeholders was crucial to the effectiveness of the sector.

He called for regular engagements with such stakeholders for effective blood service delivery.

“Central to the operations of an effective blood service is a strong linkage with secondary and tertiary health facilities, the educational systems, and the media within the six geo-political zones.

“The vast scope of the blood service and the diversity of stakeholders require the management of numerous stakeholder relationships, even beyond the health environment.

“As we all expect, it is long overdue for Nigeria’s blood service to embark on component production and manufacturing of blood-related medicinal products.

“The NBSC places a premium on partnerships and collaborations,” Mr Amedu said.

He promised the provision of safe blood products in response to demand from hospitals and health facilities nationwide.

The NBSC is a government agency legally mandated to give patients access to safe blood and blood products in sufficient quantities.