….unveils new blood screening framework
The Lagos State Government has signed a five-year Blood Screening and Certification Concession Agreement to strengthen blood safety, standardise screening, and ensure a steady supply of safe blood across the state.
Signed at the Ministry of Health in Alausa-Ikeja, the deal aims to improve quality assurance, accountability, and technology-driven screening in public health facilities.
Commissioner for Health, Professor Akin Abayomi, described blood as a “liquid organ” requiring strict medical oversight, noting that transfusion safety cannot be left to market forces due to its impact on patient survival.
He said the state is working with concessionaires and global equipment manufacturers to ensure all blood is screened to international standards for HIV, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and Syphilis, with improved technology reducing infection risks.
“We want every unit of blood in Lagos to be safe and trusted,” he said, urging residents to become voluntary donors to support patients in need and help position Lagos as a regional blood safety hub.
Permanent Secretary, Dr. Dayo Lajide, said the agreement followed a rigorous procurement process and includes provisions for quality assurance, monitoring, and accountability, aligning with the state’s health reform agenda.
Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Blood Transfusion Service, Dr. Bodunrin Osikomaiya, said the new 97-page framework replaces an expired agreement and addresses past challenges such as inconsistent screening capacity and weak traceability.
She said five concessionaires were selected from nine applicants, with Roche Products Ltd providing automated WHO-compliant systems under a reagent rental model, while the state retains regulatory oversight.
Representatives of the concessionaires and Roche pledged strong technical support and improved infrastructure, while state officials expressed confidence that the agreement will enhance safe, reliable blood services across Lagos over the next five years.
