The new rules of the National Blood Transfusion Council (NBTC) and the updated decision have been requested by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) to be followed by all states and Union territories.In the event that no blood is donated, private hospitals and blood banks typically charge between Rs 2,000 and Rs 6,000 per unit. The fees reach Rs 10,000 in the event of a rare blood group or blood shortage. Furthermore, processing fees are always assessed, regardless of the blood donation.
The federal government has opted to remove all expenses, with the exception of processing charges, in an effort to curb the practice of charging excessive prices for blood in hospitals and private blood banks. An alert was sent to all blood centers in India as a result of the decision, which was made with the idea that "blood is not meant for sale."
The current standards, however, only allow for the charging of processing costs, which for blood or blood components vary from Rs 250 to Rs 1,550. For example, costs of Rs 1,550 might be charged for the distribution of packed red blood cells or whole blood, while the cost per pack for plasma and platelets is Rs 400.
What makes 'The Move' so significant?
Medical professionals say that patients will benefit from the relocation, particularly those who need frequent blood transfusions for blood illnesses including sickle cell anemia, thalassemia, or those having surgery. It is not always feasible for friends or family to donate blood in certain situations.
The National Thalassemia Welfare Society's general secretary, Dr. JS Arora, stated that "the decision will help curb the practice of overpricing undertaken by some corporate hospitals." Blood transfusions are necessary for people with thalassemia, a genetic blood illness, to survive. people with thalassemia major require blood transfusions twice a month. One of the many financial burdens associated with chronic illness is having to pay for blood draws.
The opinion aimed to inform all blood centers about the amended guidelines for recovering processing fees for blood and blood components from NBC.
"You are requested to direct all the blood centers under your jurisdiction to adhere to the Revised Guidelines-2022 for Recovery of Processing Charges for Blood and Blood Components issued by NBTC," the CDSCO said in an instruction to drug regulators throughout India.
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