There are different agencies that overlook the quality standards of blood banks in India and most blood banks do meet the minimum criteria of set quality controls. Also, unlike in the West, here we have three categories of blood banks i.e. corporate blood bank, government blood banks and standalone blood banks. Quality is maintained in all three categories to meet the requirements.
Technology for improving blood banking standards
Quality is directly proportional to technology. The advancement in technology does automatically improve the quality process as well. As I said, Indian blood banks are at par in delivering the best. For e.g. Hinduja Hospital, apart from the following the standard norms of quality, also has a College of American Pathologists (CAP) accreditation which further states that we are at par with the international standards.
Operational challenges in India
Challenges are aplenty but it is those challenges that push us to deliver the best. The immediate operational challenges that blood banks face are those of reporting to multiple authorities, pressure of delivering blood to each and every surgeon. And since in India voluntary blood donation is still at a very low percentage compared to international numbers, we face this humungous task of providing blood or platelets to the needy.
Evolving role of blood banks
A blood bank is the backbone of any hospital. Delivering safe blood at the time required is the key to any blood bank. We need more voluntary donors and repeat regular voluntary donors to come forward to enhance and ensure the safety of blood.
– Dr Anand Deshpande, Consultant Tranfusion Medicine and Hematology, P D Hinduja Hospital & MRC Indian guidelines for blood banks
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