The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) on Wednesday convened a high-level national review meeting with States and Union Territories to assess preparedness of blood banks and transfusion services, outlining a roadmap to ensure universal access to safe blood by December 2026.
The meeting, held via video conference, was chaired by Rakesh Gupta, who also serves as Director General of the National AIDS Control Organization (NACO). Representatives from all 36 States and UTs participated in the review.
The comprehensive assessment covered key stages of blood transfusion services, including licensing, donor screening and collection, testing for transfusion-transmitted infections (TTIs), storage and distribution, and record-keeping. Performance was evaluated using 10 key indicators, drawing data from platforms such as eRaktKosh, the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), and the Blood Bank Management System (BBMS).
While several states demonstrated strong performance, the review flagged gaps in infrastructure and digital integration. Around 10 per cent of districts currently lack a blood centre, and many facilities are yet to be onboarded onto eRaktKosh and BBMS, limiting real-time monitoring and transparency.
The MoHFW also noted variability in voluntary blood donation rates, licensing compliance, and the referral of donors identified with infections. However, best practices were highlighted in some regions, including effective donor screening, high voluntary participation, and robust quality testing mechanisms.
Chairing the meeting, Gupta reiterated the government’s goal of ensuring timely access to safe blood in every district, with zero risk of transfusion-transmitted infections. He stressed the need to establish at least one blood centre in every district by the end of 2026, in line with the National Blood Policy.
The Ministry outlined a series of priority actions, including strengthening district-level coordination, ensuring full licensing compliance, expanding voluntary blood donation drives, and adopting advanced testing protocols such as ELISA and CLIA-based screening.
It also emphasised 100 per cent digital integration of blood services through eRaktKosh and BBMS, along with the use of biometric donor identification under the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission to improve traceability and efficiency.
A time-bound action plan will be implemented in coordination with the National and State Blood Transfusion Councils, regulatory bodies, and organisations such as the Indian Red Cross Society. Progress will be monitored through monthly and quarterly reviews.
The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to building a robust, transparent, and efficient blood transfusion system to ensure safe and adequate blood supply for all citizens.
