MEDIA release
May 9, 2025
Minister of Health and Minister in the Ministry of Health Visit the National Blood Transfusion Service
Port of Spain, May 9, 2025: In keeping with his commitment to becoming fully apprised of the functions and operations of the Ministry of Health, the Honourable Dr Lackram Bodoe, Minister of Health, together with the Honourable Dr. Rishad Seecheran, Minister in the Ministry of Health, undertook an official visit to the National Blood Transfusion Service (NBTS) earlier today.
The visit provided an opportunity for the Ministers to engage directly with staff and to gain a first-hand understanding of the critical services offered by the Division, which plays a central role in ensuring the safety and reliability of the nation’s blood supply.
Minister Bodoe used the occasion to emphasise the importance of maintaining rigorous and high-quality testing standards across all laboratory services, especially in the context of blood safety. He reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to ensuring that all testing protocols adhere to international best practices in order to safeguard patient care and improve overall health outcomes.
The visit also aligned with Minister Bodoe’s expressed aim of promoting and increasing non-remunerated voluntary blood donations across the country. He underscored the need for a robust, safe, and sustainable blood supply system and encouraged citizens to consider voluntary blood donation as a vital act of national service.
The Minister noted, “The Ministry of Health remains committed to strengthening institutional capacity within the health sector, and visits such as this one form an important part of efforts to ensure continuous improvement, transparency, and stakeholder engagement”.
Photo and Caption below:
Photo 1: The Honourable Dr. Lackram Bodoe, Minister of Health, the Honourable Dr. Rishad Seecharan, Minister in the Ministry of Health, Dr. Roshan Parasram Chief Medical Officer and Mr. Asif Ali Permanent Secretary looks on as one of the Medical Lab technicians explains the testing process, during their visit to the National Blood Transfusion Service.
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