SOLAR-POWERED BLOOD BANK IN UNICAL
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Prof. Florence Banku Obi, has commissioned the Solar-powered blood bank centre in the institution.
Prof. Obi, while commissioning the solar-powered blood bank at the institution’s medical center, commended the Institute Of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) for facilitating a grant for the installation of a solar-powered blood bank in the university community.
\”It\’s a thing of joy that the project vision came to a reality, I appreciate the donors for an outstanding project and also to the team involved for utilizing the grant awarded in making the project a success,” she said.
The VC used the occasion to encourage academics to utilize the opportunity by sending out proposals for such grants that will boost productivity and development in the university.
This came as she urged other well-meaning individuals and organizations to borrow a leaf from IEEE\’s magnanimity by attracting similar projects to the institution.
Earlier, a dual representative of the Cross River State Ministry of Health and the National Women Leader of All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr David Ushie, said childbirth and mother mortality rates can be eradicated by the prompt availability of blood.
\”Blood is life as it feeds every cell in the human body with its precious nutrients,” he said.
The Project Coordinator, Dr Obinna Iheanacho, stated that IEEE is committed to advancing technology for the benefit of humanity.
He added that the grant from the IEEC which Unical Medical Center was a beneficiary, was part of the institute\’s humanitarian services for the Akim Qua clan as well as the university community.
Dr Obinna further disclosed that the setting up of the solar-powered blood bank in the medical centre seeks to address the problem of a constant power supply for the blood bank, maintaining that the absence of a constant supply for storage is a major contributor to the unavailability of safe blood in our health facilities.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr Iwara Iwara, applauded the team for the project and job well done.
\”The Cross River State Government will continue to extend their support towards the health centre because the governor of the state is one that is passionate about health.
\”The government in collaboration with the Ministry of Health will provide equipment for the smooth operation of the centre. We will continue to support the university,” he said.
Public Relations Unit
University of Calabar
