Organization : Department of Clinical Support Services
Facility : Blood Transfusion Services (BTS)
Country : Botswana
Website : https://gov.bw/index.php/public-health-services/blood-transfusion
How To Apply For Blood Transfusion Services in Botswana?
Blood Transfusion Services (BTS) is a national programme that aims to support the recruitment and retention of blood donors. The donated blood is used to save lives.
Steps:
** Visit one of the donation centres and go through the screening process (hemoglobin, blood pressure & weight) and counselling.
** Participate during the National Blood Donation campaigns.
The application process differs based on whether you are a healthcare provider seeking to register a facility or an individual needing a transfusion:
For Healthcare Facilities (Clinics & Hospitals):
Medical institutions must formalize an agreement with the BNBTS to receive blood products.
Registration:
Facilities must contact the BNBTS headquarters to establish a service agreement. This involves ensuring the facility has adequate storage (like a blood storage unit) that meets national safety standards.
Requesting Blood:
Once registered, clinicians request blood using standard Blood Request Forms. These forms typically require patient clinical details, the reason for the transfusion, and a cross-match sample.
Service Coordination:
The BNBTS manages the distribution of blood types, including rare types, which are digitized for rapid mobilization during emergencies.
For Individual Patients:
Individuals do not “apply” directly for transfusion services but receive them through a licensed medical professional.
Medical Prescription:
A doctor must determine the clinical need (e.g., surgery, severe anemia, or trauma) and write a formal order.
Informed Consent:
Patients (or guardians) must sign a consent form acknowledging the risks and benefits before the procedure begins.
FAQ On Botswana Blood Transfusion Services (BTS)
Frequently Asked Questions FAQ On Botswana Blood Transfusion Services (BTS)
Who is eligible?
** Healthy individuals aged between 16 and 65 years.
** Weighing more than 50 kilograms (kg).
A healthy person means any individual without an ailment that could be passed on to another person through blood transfusion.
What supporting documents are required?
** National identity card (Omang).
** Passport for non-citizens.
How long will this service take?
Immediate
Where can I obtain this service?
** Blood Donation Centre Francistown host at Barclay Plaza, Tel No: (+267) 2402234/ 30.
** Gaborone National Blood Transfusion Centre, Old Government Gazette Building, Main Mall, Tel: (+267) 3686700/ 3901134.
** Molepolole, Scottish Livingstone Hospital.
** Mahalapye, Mahalapye District Hospital.
** Serowe, Sekgoma Memorial Hospital.
** Maun, Letsholathebe Memorial Hospital.
Contact Botswana Department of Clinical Support Services
Ministry of Health
Department of Clinical Support Services
Blood Transfusion Services
Old Government Gazette Building
Plot 1181/2, Main Mall
Private Bag 0057
Gaborone
Botswana
Tel : (+267) 3686700/ 3904482/ 3974482
Fax : (+267) 3910566/ 3132874
Email : bloodservices [at] gov.bw
Opening hours: 07:30 to 16:30, Monday – Friday, except for public holidays. Open during lunch hour 12:45 – 13:45 weekdays.