Archive · 15 Jan 2026
Experts demand reforms for safer blood transfusions in India
Some people need regular blood transfusions to stay alive, like those with a condition called thalassemia.
But in India, there are problems with making sure the blood is safe.
Experts say there are not enough checks to prevent infections, and some places don't have good access to safe blood.
They want the government to make new rules to fix these problems.
They suggest testing all blood more carefully, making a new law to protect patients, and starting a special program to help people with thalassemia.
This would make blood transfusions safer for everyone who needs them.
Health experts and advocates called for urgent systemic reforms to improve blood transfusion safety in India.
They highlighted gaps in screening protocols, uneven access to advanced diagnostic technologies, and fragmented regulation.
The experts recommended mandating Nucleic Acid Testing across all blood banks to minimize window-period infections.
They proposed enacting a comprehensive and enforceable Blood Safety Act to codify patient rights and institutional responsibilities.
A dedicated National Thalassemia Control Programme was suggested to integrate prevention, screening, and long-term care.
- Who
- Health experts and advocates, including Prof. N.K. Ganguly and Suneha Paul
- What
- Called for systemic reforms to improve blood transfusion safety in India
- When
- January 15, 2024
- Where
- New Delhi, India
- Why
- To address gaps in screening protocols, uneven access to advanced diagnostic technologies, and fragmented regulation
- Organization
- Thalassemia Patients Advocacy Group (TPAG)
- Date
- January 15, 2024
- Location
- New Delhi, India
- Key Experts
- Prof. N.K. Ganguly, Prof. Bejon Kumar Misra, Suneha Paul, P.C. Sen, Tuhin A. Sinha
- Key Recommendations
- Mandate Nucleic Acid Testing, enact Blood Safety Act, launch National Thalassemia Control Programme