Lagos private hospital shut down for unsafe blood transfusions

A private hospital located in Ago-Okota within the Oshodi-Isolo Local Government Area of Lagos State has been closed due to allegations of administering unscreened and unlabeled blood to patients.

The Lagos State Blood Transfusion Service (LSBTS) and the State Health Facilities Monitoring and Accreditation Agency (HEFAMAA) carried out the closure of the hospital, as reported by Naija News.

In a recent discussion with journalists, Dr. Bodunrin Osikomaiya, the Executive Secretary of the LSBTS, mentioned that a concerned individual had tipped them off about the questionable practices of the facility. Subsequently, after a thorough investigation, the LSBTS and HEFAMAA enforcement teams, during a joint monitoring operation in the vicinity, confirmed the allegations of unethical and unprofessional medical conduct by the hospital management.

Dr. Osikomaiya stated that the facility was sealed for violating the Blood Transfusion Service law, particularly item 31 of law 10, which stipulates that no one within Lagos State should transfuse blood into a patient unless it has been properly screened, tested, labeled by the state blood transfusion committee, and determined to be negative for transmissible diseases, including HIV I and II, Hepatitis B and C, Syphilis, and any other relevant diseases as outlined by LSBTS.

She emphasized that the hospital’s management had been required to provide information about blood donors and transfusion recipients. There is a strict policy of zero tolerance for the collection and transfusion of unsafe blood and blood products within the state.

Dr. Osikomaiya also noted that efforts were underway to locate individuals who had received transfusions of unscreened blood at the facility, aiming to assess their clinical health status and ensure their well-being.

In addressing the situation, Dr. Osikomaiya emphasized that the individuals responsible for the unethical practices at the hospital would face legal action in accordance with applicable laws.

She urged citizens to actively contribute to the fight against substandard blood transfusion services by reporting any violations and unscrupulous practices they observe. Additionally, she appealed to healthcare professionals and stakeholders involved in the blood transfusion process to strictly adhere to WHO regulations and the blood transfusion laws of Lagos State regarding blood donation, collection, and transfusion.