BLOOD TRANSPORT. Pilots man the Huey helicopter of the Philippine Air Force (PAF). The Department of Health-Central Visayas on Monday (Feb. 26, 2024) said it partnered with PAF's Air Mobility Command to ensure a steady blood supply at any point in the Central Visayas and neighboring regions. (PNA file photo by John Rey Saavedra)
CEBU CITY – The Department of Health (DOH) in Central Visayas has partnered with the Philippine Air Force (PAF) to strengthen the blood service program to ensure that blood supply is available anytime in the region.
In a statement, the DOH said the partnership with PAF will boost the agency's National Voluntary Blood Services Program (NVBSP).
“Representatives from both organizations discussed plans to improve the efficiency of blood services,” it said.
The partnership, DOH-7 regional director Jaime Bernadas said, centered on the promotion of voluntary blood donation and flagship blood donation activities implementation.
“Formal arrangements for a memorandum of agreement were discussed to ensure a sustainable partnership, which is the solid foundation of the ambitious goal of achieving a robust blood supply chain that will deliver life-saving blood in the region,” the statement said.
Under this arrangement, PAF will deliver blood bags across Central Visayas and neighboring regions free of charge.
In a meeting last week, PAF’s Air Mobility Command affirmed its unwavering support to the health department by offering complimentary air mobility services to transport blood units to areas facing shortages. (PNA)
