by ULYSSES ESPARTERO
After more than five decades, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC), formerly Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC) Aklan Chapter now has a modern Blood Bank Refrigerator capable of responding to the needs of patients under emergency cases such as dengue hemorrhagic fever.
Atty. Ronquillo C. Tolentino, PRC Aklan chairman, said the provincial government has acquired a Blood Bank Refrigerator from project C.U.R.E. through the Rotary Club of Kalibo.
The facility is turned over to the management and operation of PRC Aklan in a simple ceremonies on February 9, 2011 graced by no less than PRC Secretary General, Gwendolyn T. Pang.
On the same occasion, the signing of Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on Blood Bank Services was done. Dr. Rafael S. Tumbokon Memorial Hospital (DRSTMH) was represented by Gov. Carlito S. Marquez, while Ms. Gwendolyn T. Pang signed in behalf of PRC.
The MOA signing was witnessed by local officials of Aklan, PRC Board of Directors led by Tolentino, PRC Chapter Administrator Arcely P. Pelayo, Dr. Paul L. Macahilas, Dr. Emma Cortes, civic leaders, representatives from Aklan Medical Society, and medical staff of DRSTMH.
As stipulated for in the agreement, PRC Aklan will be the main source of blood for transfusion to DRSTMH patients.
DREAM COME TRUE
Tolentino, former Vice Governor of Aklan, said the Blood Bank Refrigerator is a dream come true for all Aklanons and even tourists and migrants in Aklan during the turn-over ceremonies held at PRC Headquarters, Kalibo on Wednesday morning. Tolentino in his welcome message expressed his appreciation and gratitude to Gov. Carlito S. Marquez for all the assistance given to the PRC Aklan Chapter.
"We are truly grateful for this gift to the people of Aklan. The people of Aklan will surely be grateful to the provincial government for re-cognizing the need for safe blood," he said.
Ms. Arcelie P. Pelayo, PRC Provincial Administrator stressed, "with the blood bank refrigerator, Aklanons need not go now to Roxas City and Iloilo City to have the packed blood screened as the traditional practice before transfusion to recipient patients. PRC Aklan was a mere collecting unit of blood from volunteer blood donors although it is capable of testing Malaria, Syphilis, Hepatitis B and C and HIV 1 and 2 following the standards of the Bureau of Health Facilities and Services of the Department of Health."
Gov. Marquez in his speech expressed his appreciation and gratitude to Project C.U.R.E. of Colorado, USA; and the Rotary Club of Kalibo which enhanced the acquisition of blood bank refrigerator.
Ms. Gwendolyn T. Pang, PRC secretary general thanked Gov. Marquez and PRC BOD Aklan chapter for their efforts to improve Red Cross services. She stressed the mission and vision of PRC and what it does to fulfill these.
Dr. Albert S. Marin, Medical Specialist II., in behalf of the DRSTMH gave his response. /MP
No comments:
Post a Comment