Indian Red Cross to compile data on Andhra Pradesh blood banks
The Indian Red Cross Society will collect information on blood banks across Andhra Pradesh and upload it to a central software system, its State coordinator said. The effort is intended to improve transparency, track stocks and donors, prevent illegal sales and help detect operational irregularities.
The Indian Red Cross Society will soon collect information on the activities of all blood banks in Andhra Pradesh and submit the data to the Centre, State coordinator B.V.S. Kumar said. The information will be uploaded to the Blood Banks Management Software system.
Mr. Kumar said the State Blood Transfusion Centre would monitor blood collection and supply. Government and private blood banks have been asked to upload the availability of blood groups, current stock, supply information and donor lists.
They must also maintain digital records and display barcodes on blood sachets, he said. District Collectors should review each blood bank’s activities and stock position every month, according to Mr. Kumar.
The State has 246 blood banks: 55 government centres, 19 managed by the Indian Red Cross Society and 172 private banks. Andhra Pradesh also has 185 blood storage centres, including 179 government facilities and six managed by the Indian Red Cross Society. Mr.
Kumar said blood banks must conduct mandatory tests for HIV, hepatitis B and other diseases when collecting samples. He added that facilities should alert the government when they identify people with HIV, hepatitis or other conditions so that treatment and counselling can be provided. Under Central government guidelines cited by Mr.
Kumar, donors should have an Ayushman Bharat Health Account card and should not donate blood frequently for money. The Indian Red Cross will appoint and train volunteers to gather information across the districts. Mr.
Kumar said data uploaded to the software and the e-RaktKosh system would help monitor illegal sales, improve operations and provide patients with information about blood availability. An unnamed doctor alleged that some banks had sold stale blood after changing dates on packets, but the report provided no details supporting the allegation.
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