PHC to register Gujranwala’s blood banks

Inspections being conducted for requirements such as SOPs, equipment and testing

GUJRANWALA:

The blood banks present across the district will now be formally registered, The Express Tribune has learnt.

The Punjab Healthcare Commission (PHC) will register these blood banks. Inspections for various requirements including standard operating procedures (SOP), presence of pathologist, technicians, blood preserving machines and tests conducted prior to taking blood samples were being conducted.

Wazirabad THQ MS Dr Omar Rathore had been appointed as a focal person in the said regard.

The focal person claimed that he was actively working on the inspections. “Blood transfusion is an important department, and the blood if not properly tested prior to the transfusion can lead to the spread of various diseases. It can also prove fatal, therefore, it is important to have healthy blood.” Initially, 20 blood banks had been inspected, he further said.

In view of the prevalent situations, they had been warned to adhere to the SOPs issued by the health department. Blood banks were also directed to make arrangements according to it, if they wish to continue operations, otherwise, they would face closure, he added.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 14^th, 2021.