Question : Blood Banks

Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:

(a) the number of Government and private blood banks functioning in the country at present, State/UT-wise;

(b) whether the Government has formulated any scheme for setting up blood banks on priority basis in remote, flood affected, rural and border areas of the country and if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether coordination is being established with the public sector voluntary organisations and the private sector for promoting voluntary blood donation and if so, the details thereof; and

(d) the steps taken/being taken by the Government to stop illegal sale of blood and related illegal activities?

ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
(SHRI JAGAT PRAKASH NADDA)

(a) to (d): A statement is laid on the Table of the House


STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO LOK SABHA
STARRED QUESTION NO. 490* FOR 7TH APRIL, 2017

(a) There are 2854 licensed Blood Banks in the country as reported by Drugs Controller General of India. (Annexure).

(b) As per Government of India norms, every district should have atleast one Blood Bank. So, support is being provided under the NHM to establish Blood Banks in those districts that have no Blood Banks based on proposal submitted by the State in their Programme Implementation Plans.

(c) Yes. Several activities to promote public awareness of the need for voluntary blood donation have been undertaken in collaboration with Indian Red Cross Society, Nehru Yuvak Kendra Samiti, National Service Scheme, Schools & Colleges, workplaces and various Blood Donor Organizations.

Special days such as World Blood Donor Day and National Voluntary Blood Donation Day are observed at national and state level recognizing the contribution of voluntary blood donors.

State Blood Transfusion Councils are also supported through Grant–in-aid to conduct activities for promotion of voluntary blood donation and for conducting Blood Donation Camps through NACO.

Recently, Drugs and Cosmetics Rules 1945 have been suitably amended to permit private blood banks to conduct voluntary blood donation camps.

To promote voluntary blood donation, 132 Mobile collection vans and 250 Blood transportation vans with dedicated manpower have been provided under NACO and NHM.

Further, States are being supported for IEC activities to promote voluntary blood donation.

(d) Requirements of license to operate a Blood Bank for collection, storage and processing of Whole Human Blood and/or its components for Sale or Distribution are mentioned in Drugs and Cosmetics Act and Rules 1945. The operation of Blood Banks is regulated through periodic inspection by State & Central Regulatory Authorities.