Question : BLOOD BANKS

 

(a) whether the Government has conducted any survey to find out the number of blood banks in each State;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether the examination of CMV (Cyco Magolo Virus) has not been made mandatory; and

(d) if so, the details thereof?                                                 

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH & FAMILY WELFARE (SMT. PANABAKA LAKSHMI)  

(a) & (b): No, Sir. As per the provisions in the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, it is mandatory requirement to obtain a license before starting a blood bank. A statement indicating state-wise number of licensed blood banks is enclosed.  

(c) & (d): Yes Sir. As per the provisions made in the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, each unit of blood has to be free from five Transfusion Transmissible Infections viz. HIV, Hepatitis – C, HbsAg, VDRL and Malaria. Accordingly, the screening for CMV is not mandatory.