Negros Oriental Provincial Health Office (PHO) has already exceeded its target blood collection for this year, a health official said yesterday.

PHO chief, Dr. Liland Estacion told the Philippine News Agency that as of June 20, the province has already collected 3,385 bags of blood through donations across Negros Oriental since January.

“We set the blood collection target for this year at 3,000 and we are very thankful that many people have responded to our repeated calls to donate blood that we give out for free to everybody who needs it,” Estacion said.

Estacion said the average daily number of clients serviced by the Negros Oriental Provincial Hospital’s blood bank is pegged at 50.

At least 200 bags of blood a day are available at the blood bank, she added.

The PHO director said that although they have already met their target, they will continue their blood donation campaign.

She thanked the local government units, regular donors, partner institutions, the Philippine National Police, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, schools, and other sectors for actively participating in the campaign.

Meanwhile, the PHO official reiterated her call for the public not to let their guard down against dengue at the onset of the rainy season.

Estacion said the provincial government allocated P1 million for interventions in support of the 5S Deng-Get Out! program.

The 5S stands for search-and-destroy, self-protection, seek early consultation, support fogging in outbreak areas, and sustain hydration.

Part of the amount is for the procurement of chemicals, larvicides, and Olly nets to be distributed to the different health centers, especially in the dengue hotspot areas, she said. (PNA)