Telangana sees shortfall of 93K blood units every year
The Hindu
Of total blood collected every year, 5-6% goes waste
The State is battling a huge shortfall of 93,000 units of blood annually, and is forced to discard 5% of the total blood collected due to a variety of reasons.
As per statistics presented by Health Minister T. Harish Rao and senior officials of the department on the occasion of World Blood Donor Day held at Gandhi Medical College, Secunderabad, on Tuesday, Telangana requires nearly 4 lakh units of blood every year. But only around 3.07 lakh units are collected.
Mr Harish Rao and the officials have, therefore, urged blood banks to use blood component separators to extend the shelf life of blood. The equipment can be used to separate components such as plasma and white blood cells from whole blood. Shelf life of whole blood is 30 days.
Project director of Telangana State AIDS Control Society, Preeti Meena said that around 5% to 6% of total collected blood is discarded because the expiry date is crossed or due to transmittable diseases. Fresh frozen plasma and other components can be preserved for up to a year by storing them at -30 to -40 degrees. She has urged blood banks to get blood component separators to cut down the volume of waste.
Of the 216 blood banks in the State, 58 are in the government sector and 141 in private sector, apart from hospitals-attached blood banks, and others.
Mr Harish Rao said one unit of blood can be used for two to three people by using blood component separators. He added that the equipment would be provided to the health centres where it is needed.
Speaking about the kind of medical procedures that blood is allotted for, Dr Meena said around 40% to 50% of the total blood collected is given to people undergoing major surgeries such as cardiac, neuro, or transplantations, 12%-15% to gynaecology cases such as child birth, those suffering from anaemia, 10%-12% to accident cases, and 5%-6% to those with Thalassemia or miscellaneous blood disorders. She has directed blood banks to upload the availability of blood in E-RaktKosh website daily.
CM announces Cabinet Sub-Committee on Musi rejuvenation; rehabilitation for all displaced
Ramanathapuram identifies 145 polling stations as sensitive, ensuring security with paramilitary forces ahead of assembly elections, says DEO.
BJP Puducherry president V. P Ramalingam files nomination for Raj Bhavan, joined by Union Minister Mandaviya and Khushbu Sundar.
History-sheeter 'Thoppai' Ganesh shot dead by police in Chennai after attacking officers during attempted escape.
The government plans to amend the FCRA, introducing new regulations for NGO asset management and accountability for key functionaries.
The draft policy for “Responsible Digital Use Among Students”, released on Monday by the Department of Health and Family Welfare, has recommended that parents set structured routines with clear screen-time rules and prioritise privacy, safety, and open conversation with children on digital well-being.
Police Observer Sushant Kumar Saxena conducts surprise inspection at Shencottai police station, reviewing warrants and security arrangements ahead of elections.
Andhra Pradesh government to launch key projects in April, focusing on industrial growth and infrastructure development, says Nara Lokesh.
Lok Sabha refers the Corporate Laws (Amendment) Bill to a JPC amid opposition concerns over CSR provisions dilution.
SHG members in Kanniyakumari use snakes and ladders to raise election awareness and boost voter turnout.
Government accelerates consultations for early implementation of the Women’s Reservation Act to ensure women’s representation in 2029 elections.
CM A. Revanth Reddy distributes ₹1 crore insurance cheques to families of deceased Electricity department employees, enhancing financial security for workers.
The Bengaluru Traffic Police (BTP) registered 634 cases of drunk driving during a week-long special enforcement drive conducted across the city between March 16 and March 22.