LASG unveils Digital Blood Inventory Management System, website

The Lagos State Government has launched a digital blood inventory management system, HAEMOCENTRAL, and a new website for the Lagos State Blood Transfusion Committee (LSBTC), as part of efforts to improve transparency, efficiency and public trust in the state’s healthcare system.

Unveiled on Thursday in Lagos, the initiative is designed to enhance how blood is collected, screened, tracked and distributed across health facilities. It also aims to tackle deep-rooted systemic issues in the state’s transfusion services by moving away from manual processes and embracing technology.

According to the Executive Secretary of the LSBTC, Dr Bodurin Osikomaiya, HAEMOCENTRAL was developed in response to long-standing challenges in Nigeria’s transfusion space. “HAEMOCENTRAL is a collective response to address systemic challenges and a journey towards a safe, smart and responsible transition system,” she said. “Grounded in over 20 years of cumulative experience, HAEMOCENTRAL will close critical gaps in our transfusion ecosystem.”

The new system is designed to digitise the entire blood donation and distribution process, from donor registration and health screening to post-donation follow-ups. It also automates documentation, eliminates manual errors, ensures real-time data access, and allows for strict decision-making processes on the release and movement of blood units across the state.

Dr Osikomaiya added that the launch of the LSBTC website is equally important. It offers a public-facing platform for health education, especially to dispel cultural myths around blood donation and promote awareness about safe transfusion practices. “With the launch of the LSBTC website, we are opening up a new chapter in public engagement and digital accessibility by providing accurate information,” she said.

Also speaking at the event, the Special Adviser to the Commissioner for Health, Dr Kemi Ogunyemi, said the project aligns with international best practices and is a direct result of the state’s recent accreditation by the African Society for Blood Transfusion. Lagos is currently the only state in Nigeria with this recognition.

“Accreditation by the African Society of Blood Transfusion necessitates the deployment of a robust inventory management system in Lagos State. It also forms the foundation for introducing advanced laboratory technology,” Dr Ogunyemi said.

She noted that the platform is equipped with secure hosting and data protection protocols to ensure long-term sustainability. These include continuous monitoring and evaluation, technical support, and advocacy programmes to boost voluntary blood donation and donor retention.

“Our data privacy speaks public healthcare—a data protection impact centre to ensure full compliance with international standards,” she said.

The Lagos State Government says it hopes that HAEMOCENTRAL and the new website will not only improve safety and efficiency across blood banks in the state, but also serve as a model for other states in Nigeria aiming to digitise their healthcare infrastructure.