The National Chest Hospital Blood Collection Centre in Kingston is to be refurbished and upgraded.

This after a $15 million contract was signed on Friday between the Ministry of Health and Skymar Building Construction and maintenance limited.

The project forms part of efforts by the Ministry to strengthen Jamaica’s blood-collection network and improve access to safe and reliable blood supplies across the island.

Speaking at the ceremony, State Minister for Health Krystal Lee, noted that the initiative is being spearheaded through the national blood transfusion service to expand the country’s voluntary blood donor programme.

Ms. Lee said renovation of the centre signals a renewed energy and targeted focus on national blood collection.