Own Correspondent
16th November 2021
PHAKALANE – In the spirit of celebrating 30 years of delivering the dream to Batswana, sustainable impact continues to be a priority to Phakalane Estates with regards to the community.
This is because the concept of community remains integral to the Phakalane Estates mandate and indeed philosophy. Re mmogo. This sentiment has once again actualised in Phakalane Estates’ championing of a community blood drive held in partnership with Botswana National Blood Transfusion Services (BNBTS) and the Botswana Red Cross Society.
The blood drive took place on the 13th of November 2021 at Acacia Mall in Phakalane, and worked to heed BNBTS’ call for Batswana to donate blood and help alleviate the dire National shortage of blood reserves, especially ahead of the December period when the demand for medical blood transfusion is the greatest.
It is reported that about 45 000 units of blood are needed annually; this means, on average, 3,750 units of blood would be required on monthly basis to be able to sustain this blood count. In recent years, Botswana has been struggling with low blood reserves, and it has been reported that only 23,400 units of blood were donated in the year 2020.
The nationwide call by BNBTS to replenish low blood reserves has been met with increased attention, but the actual donations continue to be low. It is for this reason that Phakalane Estates found it imperative to partner with BNBTS and the Botswana Red Cross Society in embarking on this journey with the main objective of helping save lives.
Commented Subramaniam Parthiban, Group CEO of Phakalane Estates, “As we look at 30 years since this organisation began, we look back at 3 decades of community, togetherness and support. We are one community, one Nation, and therefore have a mutual responsibility to help protect our fellow Batswana. As we commemorate this milestone, we dedicate ourselves to giving back, and the Blood Donation Drive is just one example of that.”
In the true sense of community involvement, the Blood Donation Drive was open to all eligible candidates who wished to contribute to the worthy cause, as long as they meet the medical requirements outlined by BNBTS; these being”
- Aged between 16 years and 65 years
- Weight of 50 Kilograms and above
- Individuals in good health, without having consumed any medical or intoxicants at least 24 hours before donation
Continued Parthiban, “The festive period marks a time when the country is in dire need of blood, more than any other time of the year. There is an increased number of trauma cases which add significantly to the demands on the National blood reserve. We therefore not only want our staff and residents to join this movement, but rather all families and communities to collectively make a difference by donating blood and saving lives.
Join us to help protect Batswana, for every donation can save up to three lives. Let’s show what we mean when we say re mmogo for it is more than just words; it is our patriotic duty.”
The dedicated day for the drive may be over, but this does not mean efforts stop here. We encourage all fit donors to donate blood at their nearest blood donation centers countrywide. Donating blood is critical for women in maternity, surgeries, people in accidents and other patients, and with that, we thank all donors who came forth to play such an incredible role in saving lives. Phakalane Estates encourages all to make a difference and donate blood to save lives.
