DOH dissolves blood council

CEBU, Philippines - After 19 years of operation, the Department of Health has ordered the closure of the Regional Blood Coordinating Council. RBCC will now serve as “information and awareness disseminator.”

RBCC Acting President Romeo Tapayan said they ceased operation starting July 1. The function to collect and screen blood is reportedly now under the Regional Blood Center of DOH.

The closure of RBCC is by virtue of DOH Administrative Order Number 2010-002, which creates the policy and guidelines on the establishment and operation of a local blood bank council.

Tapayan said RBCC was able to collect 70,250 bags of blood, which were donated to at least 70,000 patients from 1998 to 2009 under the leadership of Dr. Jovita Ceniza. Ten percent of the total blood collection was reportedly given to indigent patients for free.

RBCC started operations in 1989 as a non-profit organization. It is composed of volunteers, doctors and retired medical professionals.

RBCC also used to give a card to blood donors, which would enable the donor of avail of blood from RBCC in case a member of his/her family needs it. This policy, however, is no longer applicable under RBC.

Tapayan said that the government did not spend a single centavo for their operation, as they relied on donations from different foundations. RBCC used to operate with a monthly budget of P180,000 to P200,000, which covered the operating cost and salaries of its seven personnel.

Meanwhile, the Philippine National Red Cross and the Eastern Visayas Regional Blood Center yesterday conducted a blood donation activity at the University of the Visayas. The activity was conducted in partnership with Smart Communications and GMA-7.

The blood-letting activity started at 8am and ended by 4pm. Most of those who donated blood were students of UV. There were also walk-in students and civilians. A few were rejected because of health issues such as being underweight. 

Present in the event were PNRC representative Dr. Amour Cielo Cantillas and Carlson Alivio, medical technologists and red cross volunteers, Smart Communications Supervisor for Public Affairs Group-VisMin NN Navarro and Area Manager for Customer Care Group Tony Sabisol, and some volunteers of the company..

The Blood Donation Day is an annual event started by the Red Cross. It is celebrated globally every June, but is observed in the Philippines on July. – Mitchelle L. Palaubsanon and Leslie dela Cruz/JMO (THE FREEMAN)