Expedite equipments procurement for Blood Banks says Odisha CM

Bhubaneswar, Dec 23: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik today directed Health department for early procurement of equipment to strengthen blood banks. He said the State Action Plan for strengthening Blood Transfusion Services must be strictly followed and ensure ultimate safety. He also advised the officials to encourage Voluntary Blood Donation.

It was revealed in the meeting that the State Action Plan for ensuring safe and adequate blood has been approved and Task Force has been constituted. Technical specifications for equipments like Blood Component Separation Units, Mobile Blood Vans, cooler boxes and other equipments have been finalized and orders placed for purchase. Nine mobile vans will be purchased. Automation being developed for grouping and cross matching of blood.

As voluntary blood donation is increasing, it was decided to prepare a directory of people with their blood groups. At the initial stage people with rare blood groups will be registered and a Blood Help Line will be operational. Regular calendar will be maintained for blood collection.

It was revealed in the meeting that the 3.65 lakh units have been collected this year by November. Out of this 45 percent is through voluntary Blood donation. Among the voluntary donors, Jiban Bindu and Ama Odisha are major contributors. Jiban Bindu has collected 79,526 units and Ama Odisha has collected 23, 740 units. 1206 Voluntary Blood donation Camps have been organized in 2015. Transport Department has been asked to issue bus passes to regular donors.

The meeting was attended by Health Minister Shri Atanu Sabyasachi Nayak, CS, Dc, Health Principal Secretary and other senior Health department officials.