By Nchetachi Chukwuajah
A tweet on X by @silverpenydr on Monday, October 20, sparked conversations among netizens on whether blood transfusion is really free in Nigeria based on what Nigeria’s National Blood Policy says.
The policy mandates voluntary, non-remunerated blood donations, with patients required to cover only processing fees of between N10,000 and N15,000.
The tweet questioned why Nigerians would be required to pay as much as N100,000 for a pint of blood in hospitals across the country, and called for urgent government intervention.
“The government needs to properly regulate the blood bank system in Nigeria. How can patients be paying as much as N80,000 for just a pint of blood? That’s really bad,” the tweet read.
The post generated reactions from other users, especially medical practitioners, who argued that patients are not supposed to pay for blood transfusion under Nigerian laws, but may be required to pay certain amounts for ‘screening,’ ‘tests,’ and ‘logistics.’
They also urged patients or their family members who have been extorted by hospitals to report such abuse to appropriate authorities for the individuals involved to be sanctioned.
One of such persons, @the_beardedsina, wrote, “Patients don’t pay for Blood at all. It is illegal, Blood is free for all. The only thing patients pay for is screening, grouping and cross matching, and other logistics that ensure safe blood is available to recipients.
“I know a federal hospital that once sacked tens of lab scientists and staff when they discovered blood was being sold and it was investigated.
“If you’ve ever been told to pay for blood, report to the authorities, it is illegal, you’ve been extorted.”
@olawalesmd added, “If this is true, something needs to be done about it. Blood products are freely given. No one gets paid to donate blood. It is only fair that it is always free, or with a tiny cost to cover for storage and screening. I hope the Lagos State Ministry of Health looks into this matter.”
In response, @siverpenydr said, “Chief, blood is being sold in Nigeria, and I’ve personally paid for patients who desperately needed it. The last time, I spent about N400,000 for just four pints of blood. I know it’s illegal to sell blood, but sadly, that’s the reality we’re facing.
“The Nigerian government @Fmohnigeria needs to step in and properly regulate the blood bank system before things get completely out of hand. @NigerianDoctor we need you to help us amplify this.”
@Ishow_leck added, “Dear Dr Sina, it’s sad whenever I read your post about this blood is free for all. I just hope we’ve system that can look into this. Blood is now so expensive that a poor man can’t afford it. The poster is very right.”
The statement by the medical practitioner, however, led to many users sharing their experiences in many hospitals across Nigeria.
“I lost my wife to post CS complications in March. She used eight pints of blood in two months. My brother donated one; I bought seven, the least was N55,000 per pint (A-) in both private and general hospitals. Getting and screening blood was hell. Pray never to be hospitalised in Nigeria,” @si_emperor stated.
@Ada_Anioma001 wrote, “I will leave this here. My husband paid N400,000 for eight pints of blood. Here in Lagos, Shibiri Ojo local government area.”
@OsedikoS said, “Don’t mind them. Blood is only free on paper in Nigeria until you enter Nigerian hospitals.
“Some of the doctors feigning ignorance like they’re not aware blood is being sold in this country are actually part of the corruption in Nigerian hospitals.”
Also, @seanpepisky tweeted, “One thing I’ve learned about Nigeria; the Rule of Law is often different from the rule in practice. The law probably says that blood is free, in fact in some hospitals, you might even see this displayed on walls, but ask people who have been in that situation and you’ll find out selling blood is a lucrative enterprise.
“I know some places don’t sell and only have someone donate to replace, but it is true that many sell blood. Let’s not lie to ourselves.”
@Tifetemi said, “This is just like the police telling you bail is free. They will ask you to pay or get a donor.”
Others users who weighed in on the issue also highlighted the poor attitude of Nigerians toward blood donation, which leads to shortage of blood in blood banks across Nigerian hospitals.
@ebuka_anyamene wrote, “There is a poor attitude towards blood donation in Nigeria and other developing countries. In about seven out of 10 cases, most relatives are unwilling to donate blood for their patients. Consequently, the majority of the blood in blood banks comes from paid donors.”
@_neloH added, “I feel you Doc. But the question is, how many people actually come to the hospital to donate blood out of charity? And if those people were to be compensated, who do you think should cover the cost?”
