IRCS to collect data on all blood banks in A.P.

The Indian Red Cross Society (IRCS) will soon collect information on the activities of all blood banks across the State and submit the data to the Centre. The data will be uploaded on Blood Banks Management Software (BBMS) to prevent commercialisation, spread of diseases, and to check irregularities.

The State Blood Transfusion Centre (STBC) will monitor the blood collection and supply, said IRCS State Blood Banks coordinator B.V.S. Kumar.

Speaking to The Hindu on Tuesday, Mr. Kumar said the government and private blood banks were asked to upload the availability of different blood groups (stock position), supply and the list of blood donors, maintain digital data on their activities, and display the barcode on the blood sachets.

The district Collectors should review the activities of blood banks and their stock position every month, he said.

Overall, 246 blood banks exist in Andhra Pradesh, including 55 Government Blood Centres, 19 managed by IRCS and 172 private banks. Additionally, 185 blood storage centres exist in the State, including 179 government and six IRCS storage centres.

“The blood banks should conduct mandatory tests to check HIV, Hepatitis-B and other diseases while collecting blood samples. Managements should alert the government if they come across HIV, Hepatitis, or other patients, in order to extend necessary treatment and counselling to them,” said the IRCS Blood Banks coordinator, who attended a meeting organised by Ministry of Health recently.

As per the guidelines of the Government of India (GoI), the blood donor should have an Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA) card and should not have donated blood frequently for money. In accordance with the GoI directions, IRCS will appoint volunteers, who will be given necessary training to collect the data of blood banks and their activities in all districts.

“The BBMS and information uploaded by the blood banks on e-RaktKosh (a centralised blood centre management system) will help ensure transparency in blood banks, monitor illegal sale of blood, streamline operations in blood banks, provide information to the patients about the availability of blood and other irregularities,” Mr. Kumar said.

“It has come to our notice that some blood banks are selling stale blood by changing the date on the packets. The data will help encourage voluntary blood donors, ensure supply of blood in emergencies, and curb illegal sale,” said a doctor who preferred to remain anonymous.