Union Ministry of Health & Family Welfare has made a
major modification in the National Blood Policy (NBP), 2002 to allow blood
banks to borrow units from one another in case of a shortage. This decision was
taken as part of reforms for handling of blood units in the country based on
the recommendation of the National Blood Transfusion Council (NBTC).
The
ministry also has made modification in the policy to fix an exchange value for
surplus plasma available at some blood banks in the country. Implications:
Increase the availability of essential life saving medicines like immunoglobulin’s,
human albumin and clotting factors which are all derived from plasma. Reduce
the country’s dependence on import of these products. Background Country is
facing shortage of blood units and it was a recurring problem since the Supreme
Court banned paid donation in January 1998. Following SC’s order, Union
Government had framed National Blood Policy, 2002 to phase out replacement
donation in 5 years and promote voluntary blood donations. To further promote
voluntary blood donations, National and State Blood Transfusion Councils were
established in the 1990s. It should be noted that, human blood is treated as a
drug as per provisions of Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940. Presently, India has
around 2,760 licensed blood banks as per the Central Drug Standard Control
Organisation (CDSCO).
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