TheCable

The federal government has renamed the National Blood Transfusion Service (NBTS) as the National Blood Service Commission (NBSC).

The decision to rename the service was disclosed in a statement issued on Saturday by Abdullahi Haruna, NBSC’s head of media and publicity.

The commission is expected to coordinate, regulate and ensure the provision of safe, quality blood transfusion services.

According to Haruna, Omale Joseph-Amedu will serve as the acting director-general of the commission in line with the provisions of the Act establishing the commission.

“Commission has the statutory mandate to coordinate, regulate and ensure the provision of safe, quality blood transfusion services on a country-wide basis within the national health plan,” the statement reads.

“Therefore, the commission is legally mandated to ensure proper compliance with the National Blood Service guidelines and standards.

“It will also maintain a system of quality assurance at all levels of service, encourage research in all aspects of blood transfusion services and promote the rational use of blood, blood products and alternatives to blood where appropriate.

“The commission, which takes effect immediately as National Blood Service Commission (NBSC), has communicated that its new name and status more aptly reflects the mandate of ensuring the availability of safe, quality and adequate blood services to all Nigerians.”