BLOOD TRANSFUSION SERVICES (BTS)


Blood is an intrinsic requirement for health care and proper functioning of the health system. Blood Transfusion Services were brought under the purview of the NACP in 1992, since the start of NACP. The licensing part remains with the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI). Currently, the services overall work as a collective effort by the NACO, the NHM and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in general at the national as well as at the State/UTs level.

The annual requirement of blood for the country is estimated at 12.8 million units of blood and the endeavour is to meet the blood needs of the country through voluntary non- remunerated donation through a well-coordinated and networked blood transfusion service.

Safe blood (free of HIV, Malaria, Syphilis, Hep B and Hep C) is ensured through a NACO supported network of blood transfusion services. A & N Islands has three licensed blood bank, one at GBPH, one at Pillar Health Centre and one at INH Dhanwantri.

Key strategies:

  • Assessing blood needs and requirements.
  • Increasing regular voluntary non-remunerated blood donation to meet the safe blood requirements of the country.
  • Promoting component preparation and availability along with rational use of blood in healthcare facilities.
  • Capacity building of health care providers.
  • Enhancing blood access through a well networked centrally coordinated, efficient and self sufficient blood transfusion service.
  • Establishing Quality Management Systems to ensure Safe Blood.
  • Building implementation structures and referral linkages.

Services provided by ANACS for


BLOOD TRANSFUSION SERVICES

  • ANACS supports one Blood bank with BCSU which is at GBPH.
  • Society conducts VBD camps with the support of DHS.
  • Every unit blood undergoes the mandatory 5 testing before transfusion.
  • ANACS supports Blood Bank with testing kits and human resource. Blood Bank has a Counselor to provide pre and post donation counseling and improve donor retention.
Government has adopted a comprehensive approach towards strengthening blood transfusion services, key strategies which include:

  • Increasing regular voluntary non-remunerated blood donation to meet the safe blood requirements of safe blood in the country;
  • Promoting component preparation and availability along with rational use of blood in health care facilities and building capacity of health care providers to achieve this objective;
  • Enhancing blood access through a well networked regionally coordinated blood transfusion services;
  • Establishing Quality Management Systems to ensure safe and quality blood; and
  • Building implementation structures and referral linkages.

ANDAMAN & NICOBAR ISLANDS BLOOD TRANSFUSION COUNCIL(ANIBTC)

National Blood Transfusion Council (NBTC) and State Blood Transfusion Council (SBTC) are the apex bodies responsible for BTS at national and state level respectively. Andaman & Nicobar Islands Blood Transfusion Council (ANIBTC) has been registered under the Society Registration Act, 1860 on 8th June 2018.

As per the judgement dated 4/1/1996 passed by the Hon’ble Supreme court of India and guidelines of the National Blood Transfusion Council (NBTC), the State / UT administration shall establish the State / UT council in each State / UT which shall be registered as a Society under the Society Registration Act.

The functions and objectives of the council will be mainly operation and will look after the requirement of Blood Banks, stimulating voluntary blood donation, launching programme of blood donation in educational institution, industry, trade, Establishment and Organisation of various services including civil bodies, training of personnel, proper storage and transport, quality control and archiving system etc.

The functions of NBTC as the policy formulating apex body in relation to all matters pertaining to operation of blood centers are as follows:

  • Commitment to provide safe and adequate quantity of blood, blood components and blood products through an organized blood transfusion service in the country;
  • Formulate and implement National Blood Policy and implement National Blood Programme in the country; Make latest technology available for operating the BTS and encourage the appropriate use of blood and blood product and encourage the research and development of field transfusion medicine and related technology.
  • Take adequate regulatory and legislative steps in blood transfusion process and provide adequate resource policy framework of blood bank services in the country.

VOLUNTARY BLOOD DONATION CAMPS

It has been recognized world over that collection of blood from regular (repeat) voluntary non remunerated blood donors should constitute the main source of blood supply. Definition of Voluntary Blood Donor has been revised as per recommendations of NBTC governing body to exclude family donors. Special days such as World Blood Donor Day (WBD) on 14th June and National Voluntary Blood Donation (NVBD) Day on 1st October was observed recognizing the contribution of non-remunerated repeat voluntary blood donors.