MP sounds alarm over blood testing kits shortage

Mukurwe-ini MP John Kaguchia warns that lack of blood testing kits has led to wastage of donated blood. [Courtesy]

Mukurwe-ini MP John Kaguchia has raised the red flag over the shortage of blood testing kits in the country.

Kaguchia, who sought a statement in the National Assembly told the House that the Kenya National Blood Transfusion Service has been facing an acute shortage of essential testing kits used for blood donation, including laboratory reagents and blood bag kits.

He noted that the recent past, lack of kits has led to wastage of donated blood, which if not resolved, could lead to increased cases of death of patients in need of blood transfusion.

"I wish to request for a statement from the chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Health on the measures to adequately facilitate the Kenya National Blood Transfusion Service to carry out its mandate uninterrupted," said Kaguchia.

The MP is seeking a report from the Health Committee on the measures that the government has put in place to avert a crisis and ensure there are adequate testing kits to enable screening of blood.

Kaguchia is also seeking to know the immediate measures the government is taking to ensure uninterrupted provision of screened blood.

"I would like the Departmental Committee on Health to state the long-term measures being put in place to mitigate the risk of unscreened blood and ensure constant supply of testing kits," said Kaguchia.