IRCS to collect data on all blood banks in A.P.

The Indian Red Cross Society (IRCS) is set to gather data on all blood banks operating in Andhra Pradesh, India. This information will be submitted to the central government and stored on the Blood Banks Management Software (BBMS) to prevent commercialization, disease spread, and irregularities. State Blood Transfusion Centre (STBC) head B.V.S.

Kumar explained that blood banks are expected to upload details about their blood group availability, supply, and list of donors, as well as display barcodes on blood sachets. District collectors are required to review the activities of blood banks and their stock position monthly. Andhra Pradesh currently has 246 blood banks, including 55 government centers, 19 IRCS-managed centers, and 172 private banks.

There are also 185 blood storage centers, with 179 government-run and six IRCS storage centers. The IRCS coordinator emphasized that blood banks should conduct mandatory tests for HIV, Hepatitis-B, and other diseases upon collecting blood samples and should alert authorities if they encounter HIV, Hepatitis, or other infected patients.

According to government guidelines, donors must have an Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA) card and should not engage in frequent blood donation for monetary gain. The IRCS will train volunteers to collect data on blood banks and their activities across all districts. This data, along with information uploaded on the centralised e-RaktKosh system, will ensure transparency, monitor illegal blood sales, streamline operations, and provide patients with blood availability information.

Concerns have been raised about some blood banks selling outdated blood by altering packet dates, which the data will help prevent, encourage voluntary donations, ensure emergency blood supply, and curb illegal sales.