Provincial Minister for Health and Population Dr Azra Pechuho has directed the Sindh Blood Transfusion Authority (SBTA) to strictly implement the screening system for safe blood transfusion across the province.
She also sought establishment of dashboard of blood screening results so as to help prevent spread of diseases caused by blood transfusions.
The provincial minister said this while presiding over the third board meeting of Sindh Blood Transfusion Authority held at her office. Secretary Sindh Blood Transfusion Authority (SBTA) Dr. Zahid Hussain Ansari, Director SBTA Dr. Dar Naz Jamal and other board members attended the meeting.
The board meeting was informed that a total of 427 small and large blood banks were functioning in Sindh, out of which 46 were in the public sector, 281 in the private sector while100 were functioning under the management of various NGOs. In addition to this, 142 new blood banks have been given registration and permitted to operate.
The meeting was further briefed that 243 blood banks in Sindh have been sealed after taking action on complaints of poor management including supply of expired and unsafe blood.
During the meeting it was also informed that after screening of 455,742 blood samples from January 2021 to August 2021 in Sindh, 24088 or 5.28% blood samples have been identified for during the meeting it was also informed that after screening of 455,742 blood samples from January 2021 to August 2021 in Sindh this year, 24088 or 5.28% blood samples have been identified for various diseases various diseases.
On the occasion, Pechuho directed blood transfusion authority that blood donors should be apprised of screening results in case of any disease and information should also be shared with HIV and AIDS control program so that treatment of such patients as well as prevention of the spread of the disease could be undertaken.
She directed that all necessary steps should be taken during blood transfusion in patients with hemophilia and thalassemia while iron-chelating process should also be completed for thalassemia patients so that the patient does not suffer any side effects.
It was informed in the meeting that free and safe blood is being supplied from four regional blood centers under public sector in Sindh including RBC Jamshoro, RBC Sukkur, RBC Shaheed Benazirabad and RBC Karachi. Besides, 13 hospital-based blood banks are also working closely with regional blood banks.
