Haryana set to modernise blood transfusion services

Chandigarh: The Haryana State Blood Transfusion Council (HSBTC) on Wednesday gave significant approvals to expand and modernise blood transfusion services across the state. During the meeting chaired by ACS health and family welfare Sumita Misra, the council approved a comprehensive Annual Action Plan for 2026-27 with a total proposed outlay of Rs 11.60 crore under the National Blood Transfusion Council (NBTC) component.It earmarked budget for procurement of blood bags and testing kits, ensuring a steady and uninterrupted supply chain across all blood centres, and allocation for mobile blood collection and transportation vans, reinforcing the state's outreach capacity in remote and underserved areas. The plan also includes expansion of 19 Govt Blood Component Separation Units (BCSUs), along with investment in staff salaries, IEC material development, training of blood bank personnel, and monitoring visits. Under the state component of HSBTC grant in aid, proposal to be sent to the Govt for a total outlay of Rs 54.14 crore, which includes additional budget allocation for anti-haemophilia therapy and iron chelation medicines — reaffirming the govt's commitment to ensuring uninterrupted, life-saving treatment for patients with these chronic blood disorders.The meeting highlighted encouraging progress in blood collection through the technology-enabled e-RaktKosh digital platform, which allows monitoring of blood availability and utilisation across the state. Blood collection has risen consistently — from 5,50,480 units in 2023-24 to 5,82,738 units in 2024-25, and further to 5,92,136 units in 2025-26. This upward trend reflects growing public awareness, improved institutional coordination, and stronger outreach through voluntary blood donation camps. Haryana has secured the first position in the "Excellence in Blood Donation Award" conferred by the Govt of India for two consecutive years — 2023-24 and 2024-25 — a testament to the state's sustained efforts in voluntary blood donation and service delivery. Adding to this distinction, the Govt Blood Centre at LNJP District Civil Hospital, Kurukshetra, has been recognised as the Best Blood Centre in Haryana at a National Conclave held in Feb 2025.Haryana currently operates a strong network of 154 blood centres — 34 govt and 120 private — spread across the state. Of these, 138 are equipped with Blood Component Separation Units (BCSUs), and 65 have platelet apheresis facilities, enabling advanced blood services for critically ill patients. All patients admitted in govt health facilities receive free blood and blood components; additionally, free platelets are available for BPL, cancer, and dengue patients. It was directed by Dr Misra to upgrade remaining govt and private Blood Centres with Blood Component Separation facility (BCSUs) in phasic manner. MSID:: 130001939 413 |