The Lagos State Government says it is subsidising the cost of blood screening in the state.

The Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Blood Transfusion Service, Dr BODUNRIN OSHIKOMAIYA, disclosed that the subsidy aims to alleviate the financial burden on healthcare providers and the public, ensuring easier access to life-saving blood for all residents.

Speaking during a stakeholders’ meeting in Ikeja, OSIKOMAIYA said due to economic realities, the agency earlier proposed to increase the access fee for a unit of blood from 7,000 naira to 13,500 naira.

However, she said the government again acknowledged the economic situation in the country and decided to introduce 6,500 naira subsidy per unit of blood to ease the impact of the heightened expenses and ensure broader access.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Strategy, OLUMIDE SHOGUNLE, commended the Lagos State Blood Transfusion Service for its commitment to providing safe blood products to 21 million Lagosians.