First-Ever Blood Bank Comes into Operation at Karnali Academy of Health Sciences

Mugu. A blood transfusion service (blood bank) has come into operation for the first time at the Karnali Academy of Health Sciences (KAHS) Teaching Hospital in Jumla. The service was launched to address the persistent difficulties in managing blood during patient treatment at the hospital.

The blood transfusion service was established through collaboration between the America Nepal Medical Foundation (ANMF) and the Karnali Academy of Health Sciences (KAHS). Supported by the foundation, this critical service will now be available directly within the academy. Previously, during emergencies, surgeries, deliveries, accidents, and other medical procedures requiring blood, patients' relatives had to travel to various locations to search for donors or blood supplies.

The academy noted that in several instances, blood had to be arranged from outside Jumla. With the blood transfusion service now operational, it is expected to significantly ease blood management for emergency care, surgical procedures, maternity care, trauma, and other critical medical conditions.

Dr. Binamra Bista, Director of the Academy, described the operation of the blood transfusion service as a major milestone toward providing essential healthcare services to the citizens of Karnali within their own region. According to him, the academy prioritizes expanding healthcare services and improving quality by identifying patient needs. He added that efforts will continue to make maximum use of available resources to offer accessible and safe healthcare services to the public.

"The blood transfusion service launched today is just the beginning," said Director Bista. "In the coming days, we will continue to expand additional services so that the citizens of Karnali can access convenient, safe, and high-quality healthcare right in their own region."

The academy expects this blood transfusion service to be particularly beneficial for patients traveling to Jumla from remote mountain regions. It will streamline medical care during times when blood is needed immediately—such as during childbirth, accidents, surgeries, and emergency care.

KAHS expressed its gratitude to the ANMF, doctors, health workers, staff, and everyone who contributed directly or indirectly to the establishment and operation of the blood bank. With the inauguration of this service, a foundation has been laid to minimize dependency on external locations for blood needed during treatment in Jumla.