(a) whether Government have conducted any survey regarding the Blood Banks (Government and Non-Government) are functioning in the country;
(b) if so, the details thereof, State-wise;
(c) whether Government are aware that the quality of blood being supplied by these blood banks are not found in order particularly of private blood banks and charges are also high; and
(d) the details of the norms fixed to the blood banks to maintain quality?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE (SHRI A. RAJA)
(a) No, Sir.
(b) Does not arise.
(c) & (d) All the blood banks including private blood banks are required to be licensed. Licence is issued/renewed only after requirements as stipulated under Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, as amended from time to time, are met with. Apart from Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs)/Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), the stipulations cover other aspects such as general location and surroundings, accommodation, personnel maintenance, equipment, supplies and reagents, etc. which have a bearing on quality maintenance. Also it is mandatory for the blood banks to test the blood for HIV I & II antibodies, Hbs Ag, Hepatitis C antibody, VDRL and Malaria parasite before issue.