State readies to launch 4-hours blood delivery system

The state government has launched a new initiative to ensure that needy patients receive safe blood on time. Under the initiative, arrangements will be made to provide blood to patients within four hours of receiving a call. In this regard, an MoU was signed on Wednesday between the Department of Health, Medical Education and Family Welfare and MS Science Company. The system is targeted to become fully operational within the next 90 days.

During the signing of the MoU, Health Minister Dr. Irfan Ansari, Additional Chief Secretary of the department Ajoy Kumar Singh, Additional Secretary Shashi Prakash Singh, and NHM Mission Director Shashi Prakash Jha were present.

Health Minister Dr. Irfan Ansari described the initiative as a major achievement for Jharkhand. He said that, for the first time in the state, such a system is being introduced under which the target is to make blood available within four hours of a patient's call. A toll-free number will be issued for this purpose. A command centre will be established in Ranchi to operate and monitor the entire system.

He said that the company will be responsible for blood collection, testing, storage, maintenance, and delivery of blood to the concerned hospitals. The blood will be tested according to prescribed standards. Referring to the incident in Chaibasa, the minister said that no patient should ever be given blood that has not been properly tested. He emphasized that the government is committed to providing patients with safe and timely medical treatment.

Additional Chief Secretary Ajoy Kumar Singh said that, apart from rural areas, blood will also be collected through NCC, NSS, police forces, and private blood donation camps. A comprehensive awareness campaign will be conducted for this purpose. The agency will also arrange refreshments for blood donors at the donation camps.

NHM Mission Director Shashi Prakash Jha said that the company will organize blood donation camps itself for blood collection. The department will provide technical support, while the company will arrange human resources and other necessary facilities. The company will be paid on a per-unit-of-blood basis. During the next 90 days, efforts will also be made to increase awareness about blood donation.

The objective of this initiative by the state government is to ensure the availability of blood in government and private hospitals and reduce the difficulties faced by patients due to shortages of blood.