To fight the observe of overcharging for blood in hospitals and personal blood banks, the central authorities has determined to waive all charges, besides processing expenses, News18 has learnt. The alternative was made in gentle of the angle that “blood is just not meant on the market”, leading to the issuance of an advisory to all blood centres throughout India.

The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) has asked all states and Union Territories to adhere to the updated decision and follow the revised guidelines of the National Blood Transfusion Council (NBTC).

On average, private hospitals and blood banks charge Rs 2,000 to Rs 6,000 per unit in case of no blood donation. In case of blood shortage or rare blood groups, the charges exceed Rs 10,000. Moreover, processing fees is always charged irrespective of blood donation.

However, under the new guidelines, only processing fees can be charged which ranges between Rs 250 to Rs 1,550 for blood or blood components. For instance, while dispensing whole-blood or packed red blood cells, fees of Rs 1,550 can be levied, whereas for plasma and platelet, the charge would be Rs 400 per pack.

The government rules also fix other charges for running additional tests on blood including cross-matching and antibody testing.

Why The Move is Important

According to medical experts, the move is patient-friendly, especially for those who undergo regular blood transfusions due to blood disorders such as thalassemia, sickle cell anaemia or patients undergoing surgery. In such cases, blood donation by relatives or friends is not always possible.

“The decision will help in curbing the practice of overpricing undertaken by some corporate hospitals,” mentioned Dr JS Arora, normal secretary of the National Thalassemia Welfare Society. “Thalassemia is a genetic blood dysfunction the place sufferers survive on common blood transfusions and sufferers with thalassemia main endure blood transfusion twice a month. Paying expenses for searching for blood is a part of the large monetary burden that this illness comes up with.”

Dr Arora appreciated the government’s decision and said that the charges allowed to be charged are more than sufficient for any healthcare premises to recover the expenses incurred.

What the Govt Letter Says

According to the letter, seen by News18, issued to states and UTs, the decision was taken during the 62nd meeting of the Drugs Consultative Committee – a panel of experts – who “opined that blood is not for sale”. “It is just for provide and solely processing price could also be charged by the blood centre,” mentioned the letter.