WHO supported the participation of four members representing National Blood Council Maldives in a study tour on National Blood Transfusion Services (NBTS) in Sri Lanka. The study tour provided an opportunity for participants to observe and understand how the National Blood Transfusion Service is established. Also how we achieved exclusive 100% voluntary blood donations. This visit provided a platform for the experts of the two countries to share experiences as Maldives plans to establish a nationally coordinated blood transfusion service in the near future.
The NBTS is designated as a WHO Collaborating Center for Blood Transfusion Services.
During the study tour, participants were able to learn more about the system for voluntary blood donor recruitment, retention and how safe blood and blood products were provided across the country. The participants were also able to gain knowledge on how Patient Blood Management (PBM) is established, donor data management process, blood component preparation etc. Moreover, the Maldives team were able to present on the country situation including a detailed gap analysis of blood transfusion services in the Maldives. The Sri Lankan National Blood Transfusion Service delivered presentations on blood storage, cold chain maintenance and transport, mobile blood donation campaigns, voluntary blood donations, donor requirements and retention, quality assurance, monitoring etc. The Sri Lanka team also accommodated tours and field visits for the Maldives team to National Blood Center, Hospital Blood Banks and Mobile Blood Donation Camps.