Govt allows blood transfer between banks, fixes exchange price for surplus plasma

To ensure better utilisation of blood and its components, especially after the outbreak of fevers such as Dengue leading to scarcity, the Ministry of Health has allowed transfer of blood between blood banks. It has also fixed the exchange price of surplus plasma at Rs 1,600/litre, but not in cash.

The decision was taken by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare “as part of its commitment to ensure safe blood and enhanced access to blood products, on the recommendation of the National Blood Transfusion Council'', an official statement said here on Monday.

The National Blood Transfusion Council, under the Ministry, is the apex body that formulates policy matters pertaining to the organisation, operation, standards and training of a sustainable and safe blood transfusion service for the country. It was set up under the directions of the Supreme Court.

The Ministry said it has prescribed detailed guidelines for proper and efficient transport of blood between banks.

In another important initiative, the exchange value for surplus plasma available at some blood banks in the country has been fixed at Rs 1,600/litre. So far, surplus plasma was traded or sold by the blood banks without any regulation.

“The blood banks with surplus plasma can exchange it for consumables, equipment etc. or plasma-derived products, as per their need. This exchange, however, cannot be in terms of cash,” the Ministry said, adding that this move is s expected to increase the availability of essential life-saving medicines, such as human albumin, immunoglobulins, clotting factors, etc. which are all derived from plasma.

“This step would also reduce the country’s dependence on import of these products,” it added.

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