Almost half the districts in State do not have a blood bank; however, officials in the State Health department said that the utility would soon be started at these districts.
Out of 27 districts in Chhattisgarh, 12 do not have blood banks which are indispensable in accidental cases. These districts include both old and newly formed districts. People have to return empty-handed even from district hospitals and other government hospitals.
When contacted, Additional Project Director (AIDS) in Health department, Dr SK Binjhwar said the set up has been completed and very soon the blood banks will be established in these districts.
Eleven new districts were formed after the State was carved out of Madhya Pradesh in the year 2000. Various utilities like schools, colleges, Government offices were introduced in phases however, 12 districts still do not have blood banks. There has been constant increase in population and number of vehicles after formation of new districts resulting in rise of accidents. But absence of such an essential service is causing trouble to people.
Blood banks had been opened here in BR Ambedkar, Redcross Society and district hospital. However, 12 old and new districts do not have blood banks and because of this, patients are forced to run towards bigger cities to get blood for the patients. After basic first aid, we have to rush the road accident victim to bigger cities. Sometimes, the time lost in travelling becomes fatal for the patient, said relative of a patient from Gariabandh district.
“We could not open blood banks in these 12 districts because of absence of infrastructure and staff. But preparations have been going on and blood banks will soon come up in these districts,” said Binjhwar.