ERC launches project to renovate and develop its blood bank

Egyptian Red Crescent (ERC) launched a comprehensive project to develop  and renovate the Central Blood Bank. The project  is expected to run through 2016.

Prof. Moamena Kamel, the Secretary general of ERC, announced the details of project, which started last April, saying it includes developing the current ERC’s Central Blood Bank’s infrastructure and technology and  provides the bank with the necessary qualified cadres and modern medical equipment.

“The project will make the technology of plasma blood and platelets separation available for the first time, and we will also introduce the barcode service, all of that to ensure the highest quality,” said Kamel.

Kamel added that the work at the Central Blood Bank services will not stop during the implementation of the renovation project, will continue to provide all kind of services to patients. Additionally she revealed that the bank administration plan to operate 24/7 by the end of 2015.

Dr. Seham Al Baz director  of ERC Central Blood Bank explained that the aim of the development plan is to apply the international standards that are being used by ERC counterparts in other countries like the American Association of Blood Banks as well as the Egyptian standards.

Dr. Ihab Serag El-Din ERC’s secretary general advisor on Quality and Assurance explained that this plan includes also the development of the database of the patients with thalassemia through providing free checkup for children. Serag El-Din revealed that the will open a children psychological support clinics soon. He added that these specialized clinics will be the first of kind.

In the worth mentioning that the ERC Central  Blood Bank receives between 30 and 35 patients of thalassemia daily and also receives dialysis patients, as well as, providing rare blood types service for patients with low cost.