Auditor General flags blood supply chain weaknesses in health facilities
In his report for the year ended December 31, 2025, which was presented to Parliament for scrutiny, Akol noted that 67 health facilities experienced under supply of blood.
The Auditor General, Edward Akol said hat 67 health facilities experienced under supply of blood. (File photo)
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The Auditor General, Edward Akol, has identified significant gaps in blood availability and storage capacity across 78 sampled health facilities in Uganda.
Paragraph 11.4 of the Uganda Essential Medicines and Health Supplies Management Manual 2023 stipulates that blood should be ordered routinely to ensure adequate stock levels at health facilities.
Order quantities are required to be based on stock at hand and current demand or trend analysis in relation to clinical use at the respective facility.
In his report for the year ended December 31, 2025, which was presented to Parliament for scrutiny, Akol noted that 67 health facilities experienced under supply of blood. Of the 49,081 units ordered, only 27,298 units were delivered, resulting in a deficit of 22,279 units.
The report further revealed that 13 health facilities lacked functional cold chain storage facilities, undermining the safe preservation of blood. Akol also found that 34 facilities recorded blood stockouts lasting between three and 365 days.
“These deficiencies elevate the likelihood of service disruptions, jeopardise patient safety, and increase patient morbidity and mortality,” Akol said.
Accounting officers in the districts informed Akol that the blood shortages were largely beyond the control of local governments.
They attributed the situation to limited supply at regional blood banks and the Uganda Blood Transfusion Service, driven by low blood donor turnout, scarcity of certain blood groups, high demand for blood, power supply and equipment challenges, as well as funding constraints.
Akol recommended that accounting officers of local governments should ensure formal follow-up with regional blood banks and the Uganda Blood Transfusion Service through documented requisitions, regular stock reconciliations and the escalation of persistent shortages to higher authorities.
He further advised that health facilities should ensure reliable power supply, adequate storage equipment, proper documentation and contingency arrangements to minimise service disruptions arising from blood shortages.